By Amie Windsor, The Press Democrat The Tribune Content Agency

Kevin Thompson, Cloverdale's current assistant city manager and community development coordinator, has been named the next city manager, the top non-elected position in city government.

The city council approved his hire during its meeting Wednesday, making Thompson the successor for long-time city manager David Kelley, who is slated to retire next month. Thompson's first day as city manager will be Dec. 21.

Kelley announced his retirement in July. Kelley has been with Cloverdale since 2016 and has served as the city manager since 2018, guiding residents through fires, droughts and the pandemic.

Upon Kelley's retirement announcement, the city hired a recruiting firm to help finding a new city manager. At the same time, the council met in closed session "to discuss the vacant position ... reviewing their options on how to move forward," city staff said.

Ultimately, the council realized the person for the job was right in front of them.

"The city is in a fortunate position of having a good bench," City Attorney Alex Mog said Wednesday night. "Most cities want to strive to be able to promote from within."

Thompson has his master's in business administration from Sonoma State University and more than 20 years experience working in the public sector, gaining experience in different roles in Calistoga, Ukiah and Windsor before coming to Cloverdale in 2018.

Since coming to Cloverdale, Thompson has worked on updating the city's housing element, the so-called blueprint for how the city will grow and develop. He has also worked with Kelley in guiding the city through historic droughts and heat waves.

City staff and council members alike expressed a lot of confidence in Thompson during this week's meeting. The council hired him for a three-year term, with a base annual salary of $184,058, plus a cost-of-living increase that is set to kick in on July 1, 2025.

"We look forward to working with you," Vice Mayor Brian Wheeler told Thompson during the meeting. "I think it's going to be a positive step. Thank you very much for stepping up."

Police Chief Chris Parker, who has worked with Thompson for years, said he looks forward to working with him in a new capacity. "Your guidance is needed," Parker said.

And, Mark Laskey, who will join the Cloverale city council after being elected earlier this month, told Thompson he was also "looking forward to working" with him.

Thompson was humbled by the support and acknowledged he has a big job ahead of him.

"This is super exciting. Thank you for your confidence in me," he said. "I've got some big shoes to fill, but I'm up for the challenge. I look forward to 2025 when we can hit the ground running."

Amie Windsor is the Community Journalism Team Lead with The Press Democrat. She can be reached at [email protected] or 707-521-5218.