Ott officially appointed as assistant city manager in Pleasanton

Pamela Ott, who has been serving for nearly a year as Pleasanton’s interim assistant city manager, has been promoted to the position on a permanent basis, according to a news release from the city on Tuesday.

After a long executive recruitment process, Pleasanton staff will continue to see Ott doing the same work she already has been doing since former assistant city manager Brian Dolan was elevated to interim city manager in December 2021 before retiring in the spring after Gerry Beaudin was hired as the new city manager.

“It’s a pleasure to appoint Pamela formally as the city’s assistant city manager,” Beaudin said in a statement. “Her customer-oriented approach to meeting city goals and her skill at navigating complex issues and challenges make Pamela an excellent choice for this role.”

According to the release, Ott has more than 30 years of operations and management experience in both the private and public sectors.

She has been working for the city of Pleasanton for 19 years where she served as economic development manager and director, and then as deputy city manager.

During her time working with the city, she has spearheaded several projects associated with Workday, 10x Genomics and Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone — which is associated with the new Costco development near Stoneridge Drive and Interstate 680.

“As I think about moving into 2023, I’m particularly focused on working on projects that are important to the long-term sustainability of our city, such as the water supply alternatives study and infrastructure planning, along with many other priorities that benefit our residents and businesses,” she told the Weekly.

According to the news release, Ott has also overseen the city’s public information activities; planned and enhanced efficiency in service delivery; facilitated the city’s Economic Vitality Committee and ad hoc task forces; helped design and deliver business support programs; and served as the city’s representative to numerous local and regional organizations.

Before she worked for the city, she previously served as the executive director of the Pleasanton Downtown Association where she helped build community-based associations in other cities. Prior to joining the public sector, she worked in retail and banking operations.

“I am honored and excited to continue serving the Pleasanton community in this role. As a resident of Pleasanton since 2001, I am deeply committed to our city’s well-being,” Ott said in the news release. “I look forward to collaborating with the city manager and executive team, our outstanding staff, and the City Council to ensure that Pleasanton remains the exceptional city that it is.”

Ott has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in organization development from the University of San Francisco and she completed the Continuing Education for Public Officials program, which according to its website, helps public officials “make informed decisions around utility operations and finances.”

She also served on the Citizens Oversight Committee for the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, on the board of the Valley Humane Society and she is currently on the community advisory relations board for Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley.