Santa Barbara Waterfront appoints new director

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Santa Barbara City Council appointed a new Waterfront Director on Tuesday.

Santa Barbara City Council appointed Mike Wiltshire as the new Waterfront Director.

As Waterfront Director, Wiltshire will oversee the operations, maintenance, fiscal management and long-term capital planning for the Santa Barbara Waterfront, including the Harbor and Stearns Wharf.

He will also oversee 47 employees along with a $16 million operating budget.

Wiltshire is currently the City's Facilities and Energy Division Manager where he oversees the maintenance and planned upgrades for a variety of public buildings and facilities serving the public works, police, fire parks, recreation and library services.

Prior to working at the City, he worked in the offshore oil industry both locally and internationally.

Wiltshire also worked as a federal contractor for the U.S. Navy where he managed facilities, energy and infrastructure projects at Port Hueneme, Point Mugu and San Nicholas Island.

In the City's release, they say Wiltshire has a strong technical and leadership background and is knowledgeable of marine operations and issues related to working harbors.

Wiltshire received a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Master's degree in Business Economics from UCSB.

Wiltshire has lived in Santa Barbara for 12 years.

He currently resides in Carpinteria with his wife and two sons.

Santa Barbara City Administrator gave the following statement about Wiltshire's appointment:

"I am impressed with Mike's knowledge and leadership skills, and know his experiences will be an asset with the issues and challenges facing a working harbor and waterfront."

Paul Casey, Santa Barbara City Administrator

The City did not provide Wiltshire's starting date.