Other Highlights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Juan Bustamante
June 24, 2009 (213) 978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA APPOINTS MIGUEL SANTANA
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Santana brings 15 years of experience in local government with track record in
cutting costs while preserving jobs and maintaining critical public services
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today appointed Miguel Santana to
the post of City Administrative Officer, the City's top non-elected position and
lead financial steward.
"Miguel Santana will bring a fresh perspective and the leadership and
management experience necessary to the City of Los Angeles in very
challenging economic times," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "He has a proven record
of cutting costs and boosting efficiency while preserving jobs and maintaining
critical services. Mr. Santana also brings a keen knowledge of our
neighborhoods and communities, and a commitment to transparency and
accountability."
Santana currently serves as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Los Angeles
County, overseeing the Children, Families and Adults Well-Being Cluster as a
member of the senior staff of the Chief Administrative Office. The County of Los
Angeles is the largest county in the country, with a budget of more than $22
billion and 100,000 employees.
Once confirmed by the City Council, Santana will become the first Latino to hold
this significant post, the highest-ranking non-elected civilian position in the City of
Los Angeles' government structure - with lead accountability for the City's fiscal
affairs and $7 billion budget, as well lead responsibility for labor relations and
debt management.
Santana brings more than 15 years of experience in managing financial,
legislative, political and community issues. As Deputy CEO, Santana is currently
and directly responsible for oversight of the County's Public Social Services,
Children and Family Services, Child Support Services, Community and Senior
Services, and Military and Veterans Affairs, which account for a budget of more
than $8 billion and 23,000 employees. As Deputy CEO, Santana has provided
leadership in:
• Monitoring and forecasting major revenue streams, including sales tax and
vehicle license fees;
• Developed strategic plans to integrate services and eliminate silos, and
implemented strategies to streamline and merge functions and eliminate
others;
• Successfully cut seven to ten percent from departments' budgets without
layoffs or major service reductions in the coming fiscal year;
• Preserved critical services in the Department of Public Social Services
despite a State budget cut of $50 million in the current fiscal year.
Prior to his service as County Deputy CEO, Santana served for 14 years as an
aide to County Supervisor Gloria Molina, most recently as chief of staff.
Santana holds a B.A. in Sociology and American Studies from Whittier College
and an M.P.A from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in Performance
Management and Leadership.
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