San Bernardino council appoints William Gallardo interim city manager

William Gallardo is San Bernardino’s new interim city manager, the city announced Friday.

Mayor Helen Tran and the City Council are searching for the next permanent city manager, and the appointment of the interim post marks a key step in that process, officials said.

On Friday the council unanimously approved a resolution appointing Gallardo, a San Bernardino resident who recently retired from his position as city manager of Brea.

“Bringing Bill Gallardo on board will ensure a smooth transition while the council and I take the next steps to find our next city manager,” Tran said in a statement. 

Gallardo was expected to assume his new role this week.

As a recently retired employee under the California Public Employee Retirement System, he must receive approval from the retirement system before working for another CalPERS agency, officials said.

Gallardo will receive $161 hourly with an annual 960-hour limit, documents show.

Acting City Manager Tanya Romo will return to her deputy city manager position when CalPERS approves Gallardo’s return to work. 

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of interim city manager,” Gallardo said in a statement. “I will work diligently to become a valuable resource for the mayor, city council and staff and, just as importantly, maintain crucial relationships between City Hall, the community, and agency partners during this time of transition as we search for a permanent city manager.”

Gallardo retired in December after 35 years with Brea, where he was city manager since 2015. Prior posts included assistant city manager/administrative services director, finance manager and revenue manager for the northern Orange County city. 

He holds a degree in business from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Rob Field, who left in 2023, was the last permanent city manager. In September 2023, Steve Carrigan withdrew from consideration for the position after information about his candidacy was leaked. Carrigan then filed a lawsuit against the city later that year.

After that, the council appointed Charles Montoya, who subsequently was fired after questions arose about his alleged lack of professionalism and acts of retaliation against employees.

The city has retained the executive search firm Ralph Anderson to help with the recruitment process for the next city manager. 

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