New Deputy City Manager Named In Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A new deputy manager has been named for the City of Santa Cruz, the city announced Friday.

Lisa Murphy, the former head of the City's Human Resources Department for seven years, was selected after competitive recruitment process that included a strong pool of internal and external candidates, the city said.

“Lisa has a great track record with the City and also in Capitola, where she served for nearly twelve years," City Manager Matt Huffaker said. "She loves challenges and has wide-ranging experience leading complex programs and projects. Her focus on service to her community is directly aligned with helping implement our three-year homelessness response action plan."

Before working with the city, Murphy was an assistant to the city manager and was promoted to administrative services director in Capitola. Along with working on the city's homelessness response, Murphy will help lead programs and administrative functions for the office.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve the City of Santa Cruz in this new capacity," Myphy said. "While I will miss my HR staff dearly, my heart and soul have always been in public service, and in this new role, I will have the opportunity to help make a real difference in many people’s lives. I look forward to working with the staff, Council and the community to make strides in helping respond to homelessness in our community."