Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell has accepted his appointment to become Pasadena’s next chief executive, officials announced Wednesday.
His expected start date in Pasadena is May 13.
Futrell brings more than 30 years of public-sector experience, including 18 years in executive chief administrative and city management roles, Pasadena officials said. Prior to his post in Riverside, he was city manager of South San Francisco, chief administrative officer for the city and county of Baton Rouge, state director in the U.S. Senate, executive vice president at Hawaii Gas and elected offices in the Louisiana House of Representatives and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council.
Futrell is also a retired U.S. Navy captain who served 26 years on active duty and in the reserves.
He has overseen major capital projects, complex public-private partnerships, innovative economic development strategies and large municipal operations that include utilities, airports, convention centers and full-service city departments. Futrell’s experience includes leading city-owned electric and water utilities that serve as many as 200,000 customers, and also “regulatory, customer service, rate-setting and intergovernmental functions,” officials said.
In South San Francisco, Futrell led the city’s transformation into a biotech economic powerhouse, generating funding for housing, transit, and sustainability initiatives. He also led the restoration of the South San Francisco Bay waterfront, in a $3 billion public-private partnership. In Riverside, he has steered major economic expansions in green technology, aerospace, and life sciences; delivered landmark capital projects; and strengthened community engagement and transparency. His background also includes significant work in strategic planning, public safety, emergency management, financial recovery, labor relations, communications, and organizational development.
The appointment follows an extensive national search process and reflects the City Council’s commitment to selecting a seasoned, innovative, community-centered leader to guide Pasadena into its next chapter.
“On behalf of the entire City Council, I want to express our deep appreciation to outgoing City Manager Miguel Márquez for his dedicated and effective service to the people of Pasadena,” Mayor Victor Gordo said in a statement. “His leadership has helped guide our city through important challenges and opportunities, and we are grateful for his commitment.
“I also want to acknowledge the many highly qualified and talented candidates who stepped forward throughout this process. They brought forward thoughtful ideas and diverse perspectives, and the City Council benefited greatly from the depth of experience and vision they shared.
“Today, we welcome Mike Futrell and his wife, Susan Freeman, to our great city,” Gordo said. “Mike is a seasoned, proven city manager whose experience, collaborative approach, and steady leadership will serve Pasadena well. He brings a skill set that will help us confront the complex issues facing our community — both now and in the years ahead — and support the dedicated staff who work every day to make Pasadena a better place for all.”
Futrell said he is honored to have been selected for the opportunity to serve Pasadena.
“I have spent my life in public service, from the U.S. Navy to elected office to leadership roles at the federal, state, and local levels,” Futrell said in a statement. “The unique blend of experiences I’ve gained has prepared me to lead a dynamic and forward-looking city like Pasadena. Pasadena holds a special place in my family’s life. My wife Susan and I have spent many years visiting and enjoying Pasadena, and we plan to be active in the community. I look forward to collaborating with the Council, staff, and community members to advance the City’s priorities and ensure Pasadena’s continued success.”
Futrell’s initial focus areas in Pasadena will include major citywide initiatives such as the Reconnecting Pasadena 710 Vision Plan, Eaton Fire Recovery, Pasadena’s transition to carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030, and continued financial sustainability, along with long-term commitments to community engagement, public safety, and organizational excellence.
Futrell currently is working towards a Ph.D. at the University of California-Merced’s College of Engineering, Management of Complex Systems. He holds a law degree from Louisiana State University Law School, a master’s in business administration from University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a bachelor of science degree in business and public administration from Louisiana State University, and completed a two-year certification in corporate innovation at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
In his free time, Futrell enjoys spending time with Susan visiting cultural destinations and experiencing outdoor spaces.
He also volunteers in the community, often alongside his wife who is an active Rotary Club member and Rotary District DEI Chair, as well as a CEO, a published author and educator. He has four adult children: son, James who is a Naval Officer in San Diego and part of the recovery team for the Artemis II crew and capsule upon splash down; daughter Grace, who served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine and is a senior executive in the Defense Counterintelligence Agency; daughter Madeline who is an artist and scientist; daughter Julia who is an engineer; and a rescue cat named, “MaLou.”
Futrell reflected on his time working for the city of Riverside.
“Riverside is a wonderful city on the rise. Leading this city staff and working with Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and the City Council has been the honor of a lifetime,” Futrell said in a statement.
“City Manager Futrell has served Riverside well for more than three years, and I am grateful for the many things we accomplished together,” Lock Dawson said in a statement. “I wish him the best in his new role in the city of Pasadena.”
Futrell led Riverside out of the post-COVID era, strengthening city finances and reaffirming the City’s AA+ credit rating, while improving the quality of life with investments in parks, libraries, public works, refuse operations and affordable housing, Riverside officials said. He moved the Inland Empire city forward with major projects such as funding and construction of a new library on the Eastside, the new Northside Agricultural Innovation Center, renovation and expansion of the historic Museum of Riverside, and a new headquarters for the Riverside Police Department.
“Mike Futrell understood the potential of Riverside’s economic assets, particularly our airport and emerging innovation sectors, and worked to align the organization around that vision,” Mayor Pro Tem Steven Robillard said in a statement. “His leadership helped move forward projects that will have lasting impact on our local economy. We’re grateful for his contributions and the progress made under his tenure. As we move ahead, we remain focused on executing and delivering results. I wish him the best in his next role.”
Futrell’s focus on public safety resulted in 100% police staffing for the first time in 20 years and cumulatively a 35% reduction in crime, plus investments and new leadership in the Riverside Fire Department, officials said. Futrell expanded the City’s economic development efforts resulting in multiple new companies opening in Riverside, over $4 billion in new investment, and Riverside’s economy expanding in the areas of green tech, aerospace, medical and life sciences.
“During the last three years our City has fared well thanks to the leadership of the Mayor and City Council,” Futrell added. “This City is resilient and will continue to level up. I look forward to watching its continued success.”
Riverside officials are now conducting a search for Futrell’s replacement.
