Napa City Council Appoints Chris DeNatale To District 1 Council Seat

Press release from the City of Napa:

NAPA, CA — The City of Napa announced the appointment of Chris DeNatale to the District 1 City Council seat following a thorough application and interview process. DeNatale will serve the remainder of the unexpired term, ending in 2026.

The vacancy arose following the election of former Councilmember Liz Alessio to the Napa County Board of Supervisors. Alessio’s resignation took effect on Jan. 3, prior to her swearing-in as County Supervisor.

Chris DeNatale brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to the Napa community, currently serving as CEO of the Arts Council Napa Valley. Since 2018, DeNatale has been a member of Team Napa Home and Travel Team for the Invest Health grant program, a partnership with The Reinvestment Fund and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aimed at improving community health. DeNatale has served as Chair of the Napa County Arts & Culture Advisory Committee since 2016 and was a Director for the Arts Council Napa Valley from 2015 to 2017.

"I am deeply honored to take on this role, and I’d like to thank Supervisor Alessio for her service to District 1," said DeNatale. "With the support of our exceptional staff and my fellow councilmembers, I look forward to advancing the City of Napa into a thriving future."

A graduate of Leadership Napa Valley Class 30, DeNatale has coordinated the program's Arts Day since 2015. Additionally, DeNatale co-produced "This Is My Brave Napa Valley" in 2017 and 2019, an initiative promoting mental health awareness through storytelling and performance. DeNatale has also served in various advisory and leadership roles, including the Arts Leadership Network (2015–2016), the City of Napa Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission (2016–2017) and the Town of Yountville Arts Commission (2016).

At the Jan. 9 City Council meeting, candidates presented their qualifications and vision in timed presentations. After the interview process and thorough, careful deliberation, the Council voted to appoint DeNatale, whose record of civic engagement, leadership, and passion for the arts and public service made them an exemplary choice for the role.

DeNatale was sworn into office immediately following the appointment and will begin serving alongside fellow Councilmembers at the next scheduled meeting.

Mayor Scott Sedgley welcomed DeNatale to the Council, stating, "Chris’s tireless work in our community and leadership in the arts and public service bring an invaluable perspective to our Council. We look forward to working with him to advance the priorities of our community."

View the agenda and video of the Jan. 9 City Council meeting.

This press release was produced by the City of Napa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.