Pasadena City Hall in the fall (Photo – W.K.).
For the third time in five years, the Pasadena City Council has relaunched its nationwide search for the city’s next city manager.
By Rena Kurlander
The council has engaged The Byers Group, a California-based executive search firm, to lead the recruitment. Applications will be accepted from Friday, September 11, through Friday, October 16, 2026. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in interviews in late October and early November.
The recruitment follows two previous efforts to select a permanent city manager between 2021 and 2026.
The first recruitment began after former City Manager Steve Mermell retired. The search resulted in the selection of Miguel Márquez, who officially assumed the position in August 2022.
Márquez announced his retirement in November 2025, prompting a second recruitment. The city accepted applications through January 2026 and hired WBCP Inc. to conduct the search. In April 2026, the city initially selected Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell, who later withdrew before assuming the position.
The council relaunched the recruitment in September 2026 and partnered with The Byers Group to conduct the search.
The city has made a city manager recruitment brochure available with additional information.
Confidential inquiries may be directed to The Byers Group’s executive recruitment team:
- Brett Byers
brett@byersgroupca.com - Christine Boulware
christine@byersgroupca.com
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