City Of Martinez Appoints Lauren Sugayan As Assistant City Manager

MARTINEZ, CA — Lauren Sugayan has been appointed to the number two administrative position at the City of Martinez, overseeing community services, communications, emergency management, and several other administrative functions and organizational initiatives, City Manager Michael Chandler announced Thursday.

Sugayan’s promotion to assistant city manager went into effect Feb. 1. Sugayan started with the city in October 2021 and has been acting in the assistant city manager position since August 2022.

Sugayan has 15 years of experience in Bay Area local government, having held various positions in law enforcement, communications and city management. She started her career as a community services officer with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District —BART — Police Department responsible for leading community relations before transitioning into various management positions with the cities of Hayward and Union City.

While at Hayward, Sugayan coordinated efforts that led to the Police Department’s first re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. At Union City, Sugayan notably led the development of the City’s inaugural five-year strategic plan, which helped address a critical financial situation and established an award-winning communications and community relations program.

Sugayan is the recipient of the Municipal Management Association of Northern California’s Rising Star Award in 2021, for which she was nominated by her peers.

"In the short time that Lauren has been with the City, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead cross-departmental teams and help us operate more effectively as an organization," Chandler said. "Additionally, she has significantly expanded and improved our communications with residents and businesses. Her extensive public sector experience will undoubtedly serve our staff and community well."

Sugayan holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration, both from California State University, East Bay. She is currently a student in Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education program where she expects to earn her final certificate this fall.