Sean Crumby Becomes Irvine’s New City Manager After Unanimous Vote

The Irvine City Council has appointed Sean Crumby as the city’s new city manager, officially removing the interim tag from his title. This decision, made unanimously during a recent council meeting, marks a significant moment for Irvine, the second-most populous city in Orange County. Crumby, who previously served as assistant city manager, steps into the role following the departure of Oliver Chi, who took a position in Santa Monica.

Crumby’s appointment comes just four months after he began serving as interim city manager in July. His annual salary will be $434,242, aligning with the compensation previously received by Chi. Mayor Larry Agran praised Crumby’s performance during his interim tenure, highlighting his strong leadership and competence in managing various city projects.

Internal Promotion Receives Support

Agran emphasized the advantages of promoting from within, stating, “Historically, we’ve had searches, we’ve had promotions from within.” While some council members considered a broader recruitment process, Agran noted the confidence in Crumby’s capabilities demonstrated during his interim service.

Crumby brings nearly three decades of executive leadership experience in municipal government. His previous roles include director of public works for the city of Huntington Beach, assistant city manager and public works director for Seal Beach, and various leadership positions in Long Beach. Since joining the Irvine City Hall in 2023, he has been responsible for overseeing public works, transportation, and sustainability operations, including the ambitious $1 billion Great Park development.

Councilmember Melinda Liu expressed confidence in Crumby’s leadership, stating, “He’s proven to be a very capable steward. He truly cares, you can see he truly cares about the city, about its development.”

Contract and Future Plans

Crumby’s contract is structured for three-year increments, making him eligible for benefits and raises similar to other city management members. Should the council decide to terminate him without cause, he would receive a severance package equivalent to 12 months’ salary.

In his statement following the appointment, Crumby expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Irvine community. “It has been a privilege to serve the Irvine community in an interim capacity, and I am both humbled and honored to continue as Irvine’s next City Manager,” he said. He added that he looks forward to leading a city that sets the standard for innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.

As Irvine moves forward under Crumby’s leadership, residents and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how his extensive experience will translate into effective governance for the city.