Foster City manager to retire

“I know the entire City Council values Kevin’s exemplary leadership and vision, and shares my sadness that he will be retiring from our organization,” Mayor Sam Hindi said in a press release. “His impact in creating organizational excellence and a culture of ‘champions’ with our staff will remain with us as a part of his legacy and our city fabric.” 

Miller, who is known for his prudent fiscal stewardship, worked with the City Council to establish policy priorities, negotiated fair and responsible compensation agreements with labor groups and carried out a variety of economic and environmental initiatives, according to the release.

Miller said he’s especially proud of his role in expanding Foster City’s parks and recreation facilities, which he refers to as “one of the jewels of the Peninsula,” and the executive talent he helped recruit and retain.

“I know after I leave that this philosophy of excellence in government will continue, and if you talk to any employee you’ll see that dedication to service,” he said.

Miller said the transition is bittersweet, as he’ll miss working with colleagues and residents and the day-to-day challenges of the job, but is excited to spend more time with family and pursue other interests, including travel, golf and reading. He said he’s excited to sit down with a good book after years of reading mostly staff and business reports.

Needless to say, Miller has seen Foster City evolve over the years — he’s worked in the city’s government for more than half of its existence — but said its spirit has never changed.

“Foster City never lost this real nice small-town feel,” he said. “We have great, big visions, but we still maintain that feel. People love living here for a lot of different reasons and that hasn’t changed when I arrived and won’t change when I leave.”

Miller’s announcement comes on the heels of other city manager retirement announcements. The city of Half Moon Bay is operating with an interim city manager after Magda Gonzalez announced her retirement last year. San Bruno City Manager Connie Jackson also announced her retirement last year. Daly City Manager Pat Martel also recently announced her retirement, along with Millbrae City Manager Marcia Raines. Most recently, San Mateo City Manager Larry Patterson, announced he will retire at the end of the year. County Manager John Maltbie also announced his second retirement last year and will also serve until the end of the year.

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

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