Chula Vista City Manager Maria Velarde Kachadoorian Friday announced her retirement from the role, effective this October.
Kachadoorian oversees an annual budget exceeding $600 million and leads 14 departments, managing a workforce of approximately 1,300 employees. Chula Vista runs on a council-manager government, making the city manager — appointed by the City Council — the city’s chief executive.
“I will forever be grateful to have served as the city manager for the city of Chula Vista. Although we faced many challenges, we refused to let them get in the way of achieving our potential as a city, leading regional economic development opportunities resulting in a better quality of life for our residents,” Kachadoorian said. “It is very satisfying, both on a personal and a professional level, to see the results of our collective efforts.
“I am proud of the amazing staff at the city, and I am confident in the ability of the leadership team in place to harness the many opportunities that lie ahead for Chula Vista. Thank you to the Mayor and City Council for their continued trust and confidence,” she added.
Kachadoorian began her nearly four decades of public service in the Office of the Auditor and Controller at the county of San Diego. She joined Chula Vista in 1998, holding positions such as director of finance, deputy city manager, and assistant city manager before being appointed to the city manager position in 2020.
She is the first woman and Latina to serve in the role.
Helping to steer the city through the 2008 recession and the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic, Kachadoorian was instrumental in setting in motion upcoming infrastructure projects, such as the Millenia Library development, the expansion of SDSU Nursing and Global Campus programs, and new film production studios.
“As city manager, Maria’s leadership has been instrumental in realizing many achievements for the city, including the opening of the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, managing the city through the COVID-19 crisis and instituting fiscally sound policies that have set a strong foundation for the city,” Mayor John McCann said. “I am deeply appreciative of her commitment to improving the quality of life for all Chula Vista residents and wish her a well-earned retirement.”
–City News Service
