Palos Verdes Estates City Manager Resigns

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — Palos Verdes Estates City Manager Laura Guglielmo announced her resignation this week, city officials said Friday.

Guglielmo was appointed City Manager by the City Council on June 15, 2020, after spending 25 years with the City of Los Angeles, officials said. She has accepted a public sector position outside of City Management.

Guglielmo's work came at a significant turning point for the city.

She was tasked with developing the management team, investing in staff morale, evaluating the City’s long-term fiscal condition, and restoring the public’s trust in its municipal government, officials said. Since her appointment, Guglielmo helped the City Council address several major pending issues, including the decision to maintain the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department for law enforcement services and critically assess the City’s pension debt.

Guglielmo has evaluated the City’s organizational structure and recommended modifications to operate more efficiently and effectively. She has filled key Department Head positions including Chief of Police, Finance Director and Community Development Director. The Director of Public Works position remains vacant with an ongoing recruitment.

"Palos Verdes Estates is fortunate to have such a dedicated, talented and hard-working staff in place," Guglielmo said in a statement. "I have been continuously amazed by how much such a small staff has been able to produce! Filling our additional vacancies, particularly in the Police Department and Public Works will make a huge positive impact on service to the community."

"Laura has done an excellent job helping to prepare our City for future success," Mayor Michael Kemps said in a statement.

"The City Council is grateful to her for her investment in and mentoring of staff, improvement of internal processes, and responsiveness to residents," Kemps said. "We appreciate that Ms. Guglielmo invested her all, striving to support and enhance our unique and diverse community. We are saddened she will be leaving, but respect and support her decision."

Guglielmo believes the city will be in good hands.

"I would like to thank the City Council for its leadership, support and faith in my professional abilities, and for granting me the opportunity to help in the transformation of this great City. Working with all of you as well as the hardworking and dedicated staff has been an honor and a privilege. You have inspired me greatly,” Guglielmo said.

The City Council held a special closed session July 27 to discuss the employment of a new city manager. Guglielmo provided a letter of resignation to the City Council earlier that day.

No severance agreement or additional compensation will be provided, officials said.

"Due to the brief tenure of the current Department Heads, the City will be seeking an experienced City Manager to serve in an interim capacity after Guglielmo’s departure in September," officials said. "The Interim would serve while Guglielmo’s permanent replacement is recruited."

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