The city of Carlsbad has a new manager, but she's already well aware of the issues facing the coastal community.
Lisa Hildabrand, 52, is Carlsbad's former deputy city manager and finance director. Mayor Bud Lewis announced May 7 that the City Council selected her for the position; she was sworn in May 13.
Hildabrand has served as acting manager since Ray Patchett retired last fall after two decades on the job.
“We have been continually impressed with her steady, thoughtful leadership. Lisa has the intellect, personality and enthusiasm to lead Carlsbad's staff through the challenging times that lie ahead,” Lewis wrote in an e-mail to city staff members. “The City Council believes Lisa will provide the direction the city needs now and in the future. Lisa's appointment will enable the city to continue its legacy of sound financial management, stable leadership and forward-thinking programs and policies that have made Carlsbad great.”
Lewis said her salary and benefits package are still being negotiated. Hildabrand was paid $210,000 as acting city manager; Patchett's salary was more than $220,000 when he retired.
Hildabrand, who lives in Scripps Ranch, has worked for the city since 1991. She is credited with helping Carlsbad through financially challenging times in the early 1990s, as well as initiating the city's 10-year budget forecasting system, which has widely been attributed to keeping Carlsbad financially solvent.
“During her term as finance director, Lisa provided sound, reliable guidance during both good times and bad, and we have come to rely on and trust her counsel,” Lewis said.
Prior to joining the city, Hildabrand spent eight years with an accounting firm in San Diego.
Lisa Hildabrand, 52, is Carlsbad's former deputy city manager and finance director. Mayor Bud Lewis announced May 7 that the City Council selected her for the position; she was sworn in May 13.
Hildabrand has served as acting manager since Ray Patchett retired last fall after two decades on the job.
“We have been continually impressed with her steady, thoughtful leadership. Lisa has the intellect, personality and enthusiasm to lead Carlsbad's staff through the challenging times that lie ahead,” Lewis wrote in an e-mail to city staff members. “The City Council believes Lisa will provide the direction the city needs now and in the future. Lisa's appointment will enable the city to continue its legacy of sound financial management, stable leadership and forward-thinking programs and policies that have made Carlsbad great.”
Lewis said her salary and benefits package are still being negotiated. Hildabrand was paid $210,000 as acting city manager; Patchett's salary was more than $220,000 when he retired.
Hildabrand, who lives in Scripps Ranch, has worked for the city since 1991. She is credited with helping Carlsbad through financially challenging times in the early 1990s, as well as initiating the city's 10-year budget forecasting system, which has widely been attributed to keeping Carlsbad financially solvent.
“During her term as finance director, Lisa provided sound, reliable guidance during both good times and bad, and we have come to rely on and trust her counsel,” Lewis said.
Prior to joining the city, Hildabrand spent eight years with an accounting firm in San Diego.