Assistant City Manager Katie Lichtig Will Retire at the End of May
April 30, 2020 8:30 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Santa Monica Assistant City Manager and Chief Operating Officer Katie Lichtig has announced that she will retire at the end of May. Lichtig announced her plans to retire in January with the initial date set as April 9, 2020. Those plans were temporarily suspended to provide leadership during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
"When I made the decision to retire earlier this year, it was with mixed feelings because my passion for public service has defined my working life for more than 35 years,” said Lichtig. “My passion for serving our community took hold when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and I agreed to postpone my retirement to help navigate difficult and uncertain times. It’s been my honor to serve alongside dedicated and courageous colleagues who have and will continue to serve with distinction to protect the health and safety of our residents, visitors and workforce.”
As the City adopted local stay at home orders, Katie played an important role in setting policy priorities as part of the Emergency Operations Center. She oversaw the implementation of required closures of public spaces and facilities. With her guidance, the City launched a COVID-19 hotline and called seniors and vulnerable families to make sure they had enough groceries, medicine and other essential supplies to keep them well and safe. She also supported the creation of the City’s charitable giving fund that has raised money to provide essential services and supplies to the most vulnerable in the community.
“Katie is a treasured colleague and friend,” said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg. “I am grateful to her for extending her time with the City to offer her leadership during this historic health emergency. She is a true public servant, and we will miss her.”
Katie’s last day will be May 29th. There is no immediate plan to fill the Assistant City Manager position.
“I am confident that the We are Santa Monica spirit is alive and well even at this time,” said Lichtig. “If any city is capable of reshaping, reconstructing and navigating this treacherous pathway to future success it is Santa Monica.”
Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov