Anne Ambrose Appointed Interim City Manager of Cathedral City

CATHEDRAL CITY – Anne Ambrose, who has served as the city’s Assistant City Manager since January 2023, has been appointed interim city manager effective Sept. 20.

Ambrose, who told Uken Report on Thursday morning that she will not apply for the full-time position, will lead the city during the recruitment process for a permanent City Manager following the retirement of Charles McClendon.

“At this time, I am not seeking appointment for the permanent city manager position,” Ambrose told Uken Report.  “I believe I can serve Cathedral City best in my current role as Assistant City Manager, where I can continue to provide strong support to the organization, the community, and the incoming City Manager once that individual is selected.

“Right now, as Interim City Manager, my priority is helping the organization stay focused during this transition while the City Council conducts a nationwide search for Charlie’s successor,” Ambrose added.  “The City has many important initiatives underway, such as the analysis of sites for the city’s future community center, and my priority during this transition is to support the City Council, staff and residents by continuing the momentum Charlie has built over these past 11 years.  I am grateful for the City Council’s confidence in appointing me as the Interim City Manager and will work diligently to keep moving Cathedral City forward.”

McClendon announced his retirement effective Sept. 19. The City Council has engaged Bob Murray and Associates to conduct a nationwide recruitment process, which is expected to take approximately six months.

“Anne has demonstrated exceptional leadership and comprehensive knowledge of our City’s operations over the past two and a half years,” Mayor Nancy Ross said in a statement. “Her experience and familiarity with our programs and projects make her the ideal choice to ensure continuity of service during this transition period.”

During her tenure as Assistant City Manager, Ambrose has been instrumental in overseeing the City’s day-to-day operations and has gained deep familiarity with all municipal programs and projects. She took an active leadership role in our response and recovery efforts for Tropical Storm Hillary and the

implementation of the City’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, as well as the implementation of the Citizen Self Service Portal, and has made significant strides in enhancing our offering of online services including licensing, permitting, inspections and payments. Her appointment ensures seamless continuity of leadership and service to the community.

“I’m honored by the Council’s confidence in my ability to serve Cathedral City in this expanded role,” Ambrose said. “Having worked closely with the team and community for over two years, I’m committed to maintaining our momentum on key initiatives while ensuring smooth operations during this transition.”

Ambrose brings more than 25 years of local government experience to the position. Before joining Cathedral City, she served as interim city manager for the City of California City in Kern County, where she oversaw 142 employees and a $67 million budget. She also spent 24 years at the City of Palmdale, serving as the Director of Public Safety and Community Relations from 1999-2013 and Director of Administrative Services from 2013-2021, where she led organizational improvements and enhanced customer service delivery.

A graduate of Kent State University, Ambrose holds a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Northridge, and is a graduate of the Leading, Educating, and Developing (LEAD) Program at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

Under the terms of her employment agreement, Ambrose will serve in both the City Manager and Assistant City Manager roles during the recruitment process. The City anticipates the recruitment process will conclude within six months, with the goal of having a new permanent City Manager in place by early 2026.