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Gov Business Review is honored to present the Top 10 Assistant City Managers - 2026, recognizing visionary leaders driving efficient, responsive, and innovative local governance. These managers excel in public administration, community engagement, and operational excellence—shaping smarter, more sustainable cities that meet the evolving needs of residents while fostering transparency, resilience, and growth.
ICMA-CM, Assistant City Manager, City Of Miramar, Florida
Shaun D. Gayle, ICMA-CM, is Assistant City Manager for The City of Miramar, Florida, helping lead a $400 million organization serving more than 140,000 residents. Known for modernizing municipal operations and expanding equitable access to services, she brings experience across building planning & zoning, HR, finance, budget, economic development, housing, social services, administration and executive leadership. Gayle is completing her Doctor of Public Administration, with research focused on c
Assistant City Manager, City Of South Fulton
Dr. Marc-Antonie Cooper is a public service leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning municipal government, public safety, utilities, and the private sector.
Assistant City Manager, City of Sunnyvale
Sarah Johnson-Rios is Assistant City Manager at the City of Sunnyvale, with extensive experience in local government leadership. She specializes in community development, affordable housing and fiscal management and has led cross-functional teams, policy improvements and capital programs. She holds a master’s degree from Princeton University and a bachelor’s from Emory University.
Assistant City Manager, City of Tucson
Kristina Swallow is Assistant City Manager for the City of Tucson and a licensed civil engineer with over 25 years of experience in transportation, land use and public policy. Formerly Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation and 2018 ASCE President, she champions inclusive infrastructure, community-focused development and strategic leadership.
Assistant City Manager, City of Boulder
Pam (Weir) Davis is Assistant City Manager for the City of Boulder, known for her leadership in municipal operations, strategic planning and community engagement. With a career dedicated to public service, she champions innovation, equity and collaboration, building strong partnerships to enhance quality of life and deliver effective, community-centered government services.
Assistant City Manager, City of Largo
Margaret “Maggie” Paluch is Assistant City Manager for the City of Largo with extensive experience in municipal leadership. She previously served as City Manager in Alamogordo and held multiple administrative roles. Passionate about public service and community development, she is committed to effective governance, work-life balance and leadership excellence.
Assistant City Manager, City of San Marcos
J. Rodney Gonzales is Assistant City Manager for the City of San Marcos with decades of public sector experience in Texas. He previously served in senior leadership roles with the City of Austin, including Assistant City Manager. His expertise spans finance, economic development and strategic planning, supporting effective governance and community growth.
Assistant City Manager, City of Hayward
Regina Youngblood is an executive leader with expertise in strategy, finance and organizational transformation. Former Assistant City Manager for Hayward, she led internal services including HR, IT and finance. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, she focuses on aligning operations with strategy, driving performance and advancing equity-centered, community-focused public sector outcomes.
Assistant City Manager, City of Allen
Rebecca Vice is Assistant City Manager for the City of Allen, with a strong background in public administration and community-focused leadership. She drives strategic initiatives, oversees key departments and enhances operational effectiveness. With expertise in project management, human resources and engagement, she is committed to delivering innovative solutions that improve residents’ quality of life.