STOCKTON – The City of Stockton has decided to promote within, naming its Interim City Manager, Kurt Wilson to the permanent position. Stockton’s Mayor Anthony Silva made the announcement at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
“I am honored to nominate an extremely qualified individual who represents continuity, fairness, diversity and professionalism. This is truly a fresh start for our city. Working together, our possibilities are endless,” Silva said.
Wilson,40, joined the City of Stockton as a Deputy City Manager on September 4, 2012, overseeing the operational departments of Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and Municipal Utilities. He has served as Interim City
Manager since November 1, 2013, taking over from the retiring Bob Deis.
Prior to joining the City of Stockton, Wilson was City Manager of Ridgecrest, California, and also served in local government in both San Bernardino and Rialto. In addition to an extensive background in the private sector, he served in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration as the Chief of External Affairs for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Executive Director of Corrections Standards Authority, which is also known as the Board of State and Community Corrections.
“Beyond the headlines, Stockton is a great place to work, filled with caring people who want the best for this community,” Wilson shared in a statement. “As we work together, we will overcome our challenges and restore this great city to the level our citizens deserve.
“From finances to public safety, I’m proud of our accomplishments, and I look forward to leading the City through the final stage of bankruptcy and into recovery,” he said.
Councilmember Elbert Holman agreed that the best person for the position was already serving as the Interim City Manager.
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch Mr. Wilson, first as a Deputy City Manager, then as Interim City Manager, and I have found his professionalism, knowledge and understanding of Stockton’s issues impressive. I am confident that the City can move to the next level under his leadership,” Holman shared.
Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and a Master of Business Administration from University of La Verne and a Master of Education from California Coast University. He is married and has three children.