CATHEDRAL CITY — Christopher Parman, communications and events manager for the city since 2014, has announced his resignation effective, May 31, he told Uken Report.

Christopher Parman to Leave Cathedral City

Joel Kinnamon

Parman told Uken Report he plans to do some traveling with his husband, Joel L. Kinnamon, Ed.D. who announced his retirement as College of the Desert Superintendent/President effective March 31, 2021. He joined the college as its seventh president in July 2012.

Parman’s departure from the city adds to the speculation that his husband will this fall run for the college’s Board of Trustees. Further adding to the growing speculation is that the couple sold their Palm Springs home. As of Friday, April 15, they are now residents of Rancho Mirage. Coincidence? Probably not. Kinnamon has long said if he were to run, he’d most likely declare his candidacy in Trustee Area 4, which includes Rancho Mirage, most of Palm Desert and Indian Wells. The area is currently represented by Aurora Wilson.

Parman said if a Kinnamon campaign materializes, he would help. But contrary to some reports he would not run his husband’s campaign.

Parman repeatedly said that Kinnamon is “strongly considering” a bid unless another viable candidate steps forward.

Parman told Uken Report that Kinnamon will make his decision before the academic year concludes May 27. Candidate filing for board of trustee races typically opens during the summer.

Parman will leave a massive void in his wake. In Feb. 2019, he was presented with a Certificate of Recognition. Then-Mayor Mark Carnevale praised him for planning the highly-detailed Celebration of Life event for the late Gregory S. Pettis in an extraordinarily short amount of time. Pettis died on Jan. 15; the Celebration of Life was held Feb. 1.

Parman said a candidate for his position has been made an offer, which is contingent upon a successful background check.

Parman said he is ready to help the city in any way he can to help with a smooth transition.

 

 

Image Sources

  • Joel Kinnamon: College of the Desert
  • Christopher Parman: Former Public Arts Commissioner Alan Carvalho