WALNUT CREEK, CA—After a nationwide search, Walnut Creek has hired a new assistant city manager currently employed by another Contra Costa municipality.

The city of Walnut Creek recently announced that Charles Ching, who serves as the director of economic development, Housing, and Sustainability for the city of San Pablo, was selected for the role.

More than 220 applications were received during the recruitment that closed May 7. The process included a thorough review, including four rounds of interviews for the final candidates. The role was advertised with a salary range between $188,039 and $260,005, depending on contract negotiations and the person’s qualifications, as well as a $500 monthly car allowance, medical insurance, a retirement plan, and other benefits.

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“I am thrilled Charles is joining Walnut Creek,” said City Manager Dan Buckshi. “We had a very competitive recruitment and he stood out amongst a field of impressive candidates. Charles will be a positive addition to our city team, and his leadership and ability to connect with people will enable him to help our organization and the city flourish.”

As the assistant city manager, Ching will be part of the city’s Executive Team. He is due to start July 31 and will be responsible for overseeing the Economic Development, Communications, City Clerk, Sustainability, Emergency Management and Risk Management divisions of the city manager’s office. He will also oversee projects of citywide significance and help manage major development issues.

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“I am deeply honored and excited to be part of the Walnut Creek team,” Ching said. “I am committed to serving our community with dedication, transparency, and integrity. I look forward to collaborating with our City Council, staff and residents to achieve our shared vision for a thriving and inclusive city.”

Ching began working at the city of San Pablo in 2014 as an assistant to the city manager. His subsequent roles there included community and economic development director and assistant city manager. He managed a large portfolio of responsibilities and projects, including leading the city’s budget team, DEI efforts, major capital projects, and a new City Hall, Police Headquarters and Training Facility.

Before that, Ching worked for the city of Fairfield where he managed many economic development programs and city services.

Ching has a bachelor of science degree in applied economics and management from De La Salle University in the Philippines and an MBA from Saint Mary’s. He is also a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute for State and Local Government at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Ching fills a vacancy left by former Assistant City Manager Teri Killgore, who was with the city of Walnut Creek for nearly six years. Killgore departed in April for a position as the economic development director for the city of Scottsdale, Arizona.


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