Lisa Murphy Appointed as Salinas' Next Assistant City Manager

Published on February 14, 2025

City Manager René Mendez has appointed Lisa Murphy as Salinas' next Assistant City Manager! Lisa will join the City on February 24, 2025, and brings over 24 years of leadership experience serving most recently as Deputy City Manager for the City of Santa Cruz, where she has been leading significant initiatives, including a fire consolidation project with a neighboring jurisdiction, the development of a mobile crisis response program in partnership with the County of Santa Cruz, and several youth-focused initiatives. As part of her work overseeing the Homelessness Response Program, she managed efforts to humanely close the city's largest homeless encampment and open Santa Cruz's first city-run temporary homeless shelter. She also provided direct support to the Mayor, City Council members, City department directors, and supported various city commissions and regional joint powers authorities (JPAs).

Lisa previously served as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Santa Cruz for eight years managing comprehensive HR programs, including employee and labor relations, recruitment, training, benefits, and workers’ compensation. She spearheaded the creation of the City's first Employee Engagement Program, developed a succession planning initiative, and revitalized employee training and development efforts. Lisa also served as the City’s negotiator for all labor contracts, representing eight bargaining units, including Fire and Police.

Lisa’s earlier career includes thirteen years with the City of Capitola, where she served as Administrative Services Director, Assistant to the General Manager of the Contra Costa Water District, and a political science lecturer at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Hartnell College. Lisa holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

Join us in welcoming Lisa to Team Salinas!