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SANTA ANA, CA (February 11, 2013) - The Santa Ana City Council announced at its special meeting this evening that retired City Manager Kevin O’Rourke has accepted its offer to serve as Santa Ana’s Interim City Manager. O’Rourke served in numerous management positions, both in Northern and Southern California cities before serving most recently as a Senior Consultant with the Public Alternative Retirement System. He has valuable interim experience resulting from his service as Interim City Manager of the City of Stockton in 2010 and the City of Woodland in 2011-12. Mr. O’Rourke also served as City Manager for the cities of Buena Park and Stanton in the 80’s and 90’s. He served as city manager for more than ten years in the City of Fairfield before his retirement at the end of 2007. "I’m excited about returning to Orange County and serving Santa Ana’s community,” said O’Rourke.

In addition to the lengthy list of management positions, O’Rourke has served in prominent professional positions. He is a past-president of the League of California Cities City Manager Department and a past Member of the League’s Board of Directors. On the national level, O’Rourke also served on the International City/County Management Association’s Executive Board, as the Vice President of the West Coast Region.

The Santa Ana City Council noted O’Rourke’s experience in working in Orange County and his leadership experiences as significant factors in his engagement. Mayor Pulido said, “We are very fortunate to have his incredible experience and familiarity with the Orange County region.” O’Rourke has handled financial challenges, managed numerous development and transportation projects and is very familiar with the many challenges that the winding down of redevelopment agencies presents. Santa Ana is processing the street car project, various development plans and is maneuvering through the Department of Finance dissolution process while committing itself to the completion of much needed affordable housing projects. "Kevin is the right person for us at this time and we are confident that he will help us position the City to find the very best permanent City Manager in the near future,” said Councilwoman Martinez.

Mr. O’Rourke received his undergraduate degree from LaSalle University. He participated in two masters programs. The first was the Master’s of Divinity at the Washington Theological Coalition. The second was the Masters of Public Administration at the center for Public Policy; Cal State Long Beach. He is also fluent in Spanish.

For further information, contact Jose Gonzalez at 714-647-5200.

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