Suzanne Frick, Director of Santa Monica’s Planning and Community Development Department since 1994, has resigned to take a similar post in Long Beach.
Late Friday afternoon, March 11, the City of Long Beach issued the following press release.
“Following an extensive, nationwide recruitment, Suzanne Frick has been appointed Director of Planning and Building for the City of Long Beach, effective April 18, 2005. Ms. Frick brings solid municipal planning and permitting experience to the City of Long Beach, along with exceptional expertise in administration and management.
“ ‘As we began the employment search for the next Director of Planning and Building, I made it very clear that I was looking for a candidate that would lead the department and the community to the next level of achievement. I believe that Suzanne Frick is fully capable of this task,’ said City Manager Gerald Miller.
“Ms. Frick will lead the Department of Planning and Building, which is responsible for planning and overseeing the physical development and revitalization of Long Beach; and will manage a department of 119 employees with a budget of $12.6 million.
“ ‘Long Beach is a dynamic and diverse city,’ said Ms. Frick. ‘I look forward to joining the City Manager’s team and working with the City Council and community in planning the future.’
“With more than 25 years of experience in urban planning, Ms. Frick has spent the past 22 years with the City of Santa Monica where she began as an Associate Planner in 1983 and ultimately became the Director of Planning and Community Development in 1994. At the City of Santa Monica, her duties involved managing a multi-disciplinary staff, administering both planning and building codes, and analyzing and solving complex land use issues, in a context of significant public interaction. Ms. Frick has a record of developing creative, yet practical, solutions in a complicated political arena.
“Ms. Frick has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters in Urban Planning from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.”
Frick informed members of the Santa Monica Planning Commission of her pending departure on Friday.
On Monday, City Manager Susan McCarthy issued the following statement.
“Late Friday, I accepted with regret Suzanne Frick’s resignation. She has been appointed to head the planning and building & safety function for the City of Long Beach, a fine professional opportunity. Suzanne’s institutional memory and dedication are a loss for Santa Monica. Planning for interim leadership of our Planning and Community Development Department is underway, with Suzanne’s involvement. Plans for recruitment and selection of a successor will be announced shortly.”Like Santa Monica, Long Beach is currently updating its General Plan.
