Laguna Niguel Hires New City Manager

From the city of Laguna Niguel:

The Laguna Niguel City Council is pleased to announce its selection of Rod Foster as its new City Manager. The Council will vote on Foster’s appointment and his contract at its adjourned regular meeting on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Foster is currently the City Manager of Colton, California, and has served in that position since 2009.

“We had a number of outstanding applicants for the position,” said Mayor Robert Ming, “Rod clearly emerged as the top candidate in all parts of the evaluation process and was the unanimous choice of the City Council.”

“Rod will bring just the right mix of experience, passion and openness to Laguna Niguel,” Mayor Pro Tem Linda Lindholm agreed, “City Manager Tim Casey leaves some big shoes to fill, and Rod is the right person for the job.”

Foster comes to Laguna Niguel from Colton, a city of nearly 56,000 residents in San Bernadino County. In Colton, Foster oversees 254 full-time employees and a City Budget of $147 Million. He brings over 25 years of professional California city management experience to his new position, including prior service in the Cities of Chino, Hesperia and Upland.

Mr. Foster also brings experience in the private sector having served as a Producer/Director for CNN. Foster has a Master of Science degree in Organizational Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Television, both from the University of La Verne.

In Colton, Foster is credited with guiding the turnaround of a city that was on the verge of bankruptcy to a healthier financial position with over $2 million in reserves. Under his leadership, the City obtained its first independent audit without any internal control findings/weaknesses in over a decade. He recruited and assembled a team of talented professionals and established great rapport with community leaders and key stakeholders.

“Rod will do a fine job continuing the fiscally responsible policies that have served our city well since inception,” said City Manager Tim Casey, “After 22 years of service to Laguna Niguel, I believe Rod will pick up the torch and do a great job of serving the residents of our city.”

Tim Casey was Laguna Niguel’s first City Manager and has been serving in an interim capacity since he retired in November 2012.

Foster plans to relocate to Laguna Niguel with his wife Kelleigh, and their 12-year old son, Kyle. Foster will assume his new position in mid to late March. He will earn a starting salary of $220,000 per year.