Oakland’s Mayor Sheng Thao has asked current Oakland Public Works Director G. Harold Duffey and former Interim City Administrator Steven Falk to serve as Interim City Administrators after current Administrator Ed Reiskin steps away at the end of this month.
“I am very sad to see Ed go. He has been a tremendous resource for me both during my time on Council and over the last few weeks. And he has been a stalwart leader for everyone in our city during his tenure. We all wish him well in his new position at the University of California Santa Cruz,” said Mayor Thao.
G, Harold Duffey, will serve as Interim City Administrator from January 31 – March 12, Steven Falk will serve as Interim City Administrator starting March 13. Falk previously served as Oakland’s Interim City Administrator in 2020. The appointments are subject to Council approval.
“I’m extremely grateful to both Harold Duffey and Steven Falk for stepping into this role as our search continues,” said Thao. “Both are experienced, long-time public servants who I know will serve Oakland ably during this transition period.”
The ongoing search for a permanent City Administrator is being conducted by Ralph Anderson & Associates.
Today, the Mayor also announced key staff and appointments for the Office of Mayor, including Deputy Mayor Kimberly Mayfield, a longtime Oakland leader.
“I’m so thrilled with the amazing talent we have assembled to help Oakland meet the challenges we face. I’m particularly excited to bring on board Deputy Mayor Kimberly Mayfield who has years of experience working with community leaders and organizations, businesses, elected officials and government of all levels. She will help lead our office as we work for more affordable housing, safer communities and economic opportunity for all Oakland residents,” said Mayor Thao.
New staff and appointments:
Harold Duffey, Interim City Administrator (January 31 – March 12)
Harold Duffey currently serves as the Director of Oakland Public Works, a position he has held since July of 2021. Duffey has more than 30 years experience working for cities and counties throughout California, including serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the cities of Grand Terrace, Compton, and Oroville.
Steven Falk, Interim City Administrator (Pending Council Approval, March 13 – ongoing)
Steven Falk previously served as the interim City Administrator for Oakland from March to May 2020. He subsequently served as interim City Manager for the City of Hercules and has previously been the Interim City Manager for Richmond, California and the longtime City Manager for Lafayette, California.
