Hayward just announced they have a new city manager. Jennifer Ott is joining the Hayward city staff with 25 years of local government experience. She has experience working with the City of Hayward from 2018 to 2022.
Ott is currently the city manager of Alameda. She was not able to attend the meeting because an Alameda City Council meeting was happening simultaneously. Ott has 13 years of experience working for the City of Alameda and has served as transportation planning director and deputy city manager.
Because of Hayward’s current financial issue, Ott is giving 4% of her benefits package to the city. This adds $8,000 to the city General Fund. Her base salary is $393,000.
The city council members all congratulated Ott and thanked the staff for their help in searching for a new city manager.
“It has been a difficult year and I feel like we’re beginning to stabilize, we’re finding our footing and I think working with Jennifer Ott as our next city manager is a step in the right direction,” said Councilmember George Syrop.
Councilmember Julie Roche said, “I’m just thrilled that she’s decided to come back even in our current tumultuous times where our budget is concerned.”
Councilmember Ray Bonilla said he has worked with Ott before. “I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer when I served on the Planning Commission and I know her to be smart, to be compassionate and to really be the type of leader that our city needs.”
