San Luis Obispo appoints interim city manager, announces process to permanently fill position

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The City of San Luis Obispo has announced how it intends to fill the soon-to-be vacant position of city manager when current City Manager Derek Johnson leaves the early next month.

This week, San Luis Obispo City Council appointed current Assistant City Manager, Whitney McDonald, to serve as Interim City Manager beginning on April 26, when Johnson leaves to become Chief Executive Officer for Marin County.

City Council also appointed Mayor Erica A. Stewart and Council Member Michelle Shoresman to serve on an Ad Hoc Committee that will direct an executive recruiter who will conduct a national search to fill the city manager position on a permanent basis.

"I’m honored to step into this role as we keep the City moving forward during this transition,” McDonald said in a statement. “My goals will be to continue the City’s positive relationships in our community, ensure a seamless continuation of services, programs, and projects, and sustain the progress we have made on the Council’s major city goals and ambitious work programs."

When she assumes the interim city manager position, McDonald will oversee a staff of over 470 employees, and a total budget of about $240 million.

McDonald previously served as Arroyo Grande City Manager for three years prior to becoming San Luis Obispo Assistant City Manager in Aug. 2023. 

According to a San Luis Obispo release, the city is hoping to fill the city manager position within six months.