In the two years Alan Piombo has served as Mill Valley’s city manager, he’s earned a reputation for engagement, decisiveness and a steady hand, particularly through City Hall’s navigation of a long overdue, much-needed local conversation on issues of racial violence and systemic inequality in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and many others, as well as the need for a DEI Task Force that eventually became MVFREE.
“You couldn’t have expected a crazier six-month graduate program in becoming a city manager,” Councilmember Sashi McEntee said in 2021. “We really saw how you rose to the occasion and how you were adaptive and creative and always positive and you make friends wherever you go and connect with people.” Piombo’s style – how, not if, now, not when – prevailed. He was honored for that work in September 2021 at the Spirit of Marin Awards.
On the heels of Piombo announcing his retirement in March, councilmembers clearly believed they’d found a winning formula, as they’ve selected a new manager with a similar background to that of Piombo: Todd Cusimano, previously the chief of the Central Marin Police Authority and the Town Manager of Corte Madera since 2016. He’s expected to take the helm in the fall.
“I am very pleased to make this announcement today,” Mill Valley Mayor Jim Wickham said. “We cast a nationwide net in order to find an excellent City Manager with experience in all aspects of executive government administration and a familiarity with the unique concerns of our community. Todd has a proven background of being a hands-on problem solver, and excels at seeing innovative solutions through to completion.”
“The Mill Valley Chamber was pleased to be asked to be part of the interviewing process,” says Hunter Moore, CEO of the Redwoods, a Community of Seniors and the president of the Mill Valley Chamber. “We were able to meet and ask questions of the top four candidates and feel all were qualified, but Todd certainly knew Mill Valley the best. Some may be concerned about aspects of Todd’s experience, but over the last two-plus years, we’ve worked closely with a former law enforcement professional in City Manager Alan Piombo. Over that time the Chamber grew to value the nimbleness and innovative spirit of this former police officer leading our city government and his straightforward manner of addressing issues and concerns. We look forward to working with Todd and see that same spirit and creativity of mind that will help both the residential and business community as we address wide-ranging, equitable community vitality issues and goals.”
Victoria Lim, Commissioner on the City’s Emergency Preparedness Commission, served on the community panel and reviewed the final candidates. “Todd has a clear track record of results in key areas that are important to Mill Valley,” she said. “What makes him exceptional is his humble leadership style, strategic and innovative growth mindset, outstanding communication skills, and genuine passion for public service. I am confident Todd will engage our community with compassion and deliver on goals that make Mill Valley more thriving, inclusive, and resilient.”
“Todd’s breadth of experience and deep knowledge of municipal operations will greatly benefit Mill Valley,” Piombo added. “He brings strong expertise in organizational development, succession planning, financial stewardship, public-private partnerships, employee relations, and economic development. I believe Todd’s experience and leadership, along with his exceptional interpersonal skills and sense of humor, will benefit Mill Valley moving forward.”
Cusimano’s key accomplishments is his time as the Town Manager of Corte Madera included successful consolidations of police and fire services, implementation of a plan to reduce Corte Madera’s Retiree Health and pension liabilities, and successful passage of an annual $4 million sales tax measure to improve Corte Madera’s infrastructure and disaster preparedness capabilities.
He serves on the Executive Boards/Operations Committee for the Bay Cities Risk Pool, Marin Emergency Radio Authority, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, and currently serves on the Management Committee for the Central Marin Police Authority and the Central Marin Fire Authority.
On the personal side, Cusimano says he spent many weekends and summers in Mill Valley during his childhood years. He shared that his grandmother lived in Mill Valley most of her life on Meadow Drive and watched him while his parents worked. He currently lives in Petaluma with his wife Jaesa and children.
“I want to thank the Mill Valley City Council for this honor,” Cusimano says. “I am excited to have the opportunity to work with a strong City Council, along with a high-quality staff and an engaged community. Mill Valley has a rich history of volunteerism, community support, creative partnerships and top-rated services. I look forward to adding my experience and expertise to position Mill Valley for long-term fiscal sustainability, deliver infrastructure improvements, and to provide strong community engagement. I will work to prioritize outstanding customer service, and continue to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and justice throughout all levels of the City government and community.”