Community News

City of Santa Ana Hires New City Manager Kristine Ridge

by: Daisy Perez
Posted: March 25, 2019

 

SANTA ANA...On Friday, March 22, 2019, the City of Santa Ana City Council voted to appoint Kristine Ridge to the position of City Manager. As City Manager, she will provide leadership for all City business operations and the 1,400 City employees who serve the residents and businesses of Santa Ana. Ms. Ridge’s prior work experience includes the Cities of Laguna Niguel and Anaheim, where she has overseen finance, human resources, treasury and internal audits. 

"I am so pleased that the City Council made the decision to appoint Kristine Ridge as our City Manager," said Mayor Miguel Pulido. "She is uniquely qualified to lead us into a prosperous future." 

“I am truly honored to be appointed by the City Council to lead this organization and be a part of the community,” said Ridge. “I look forward to putting my 30 years of experience to work for Santa Ana, under the Council’s leadership, to usher in a new future for what is truly the heart of Orange County." 

Ms. Ridge has a 30-year distinguished public service career. She currently serves as the City Manager for the City of Laguna Niguel where she oversees all aspects of a municipal government with an emphasis on prudent fiscal practices and customer service. Prior to that she spent 24 years holding multiple executive level positions in the City of Anaheim, where she demonstrated success in managing complex programs, extensive understanding of fiscal management, ability to manage large projects, and commitment to transparent government and continuous improvement. Additionally, as Assistant City Manager, she was responsible for coordination of many municipal initiatives and serving as a liaison for all major developments while overseeing strategic planning. 

Ms. Ridge began her career as a financial auditor and CPA. She possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Arizona State University and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and is a past recipient of the “Emery E. Olson” Achievement Ward in Public Administration. Very active in the community, Ms. Ridge serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the County of Orange’s Commission to End Homelessness, Anaheim Boys & Girls Club, and Orange County Credit Union’s Advisory Committee. 

The term of the Agreement with the City Manager shall be for three years, commencing on May 1, 2019. For more information about the Agreement, please refer to the Staff Report included in the March 19, 2019 Council Agenda.