The City of Pleasant Hill is pleased to announce the hiring of Ethan Bindernagel as the new City Manager.
At its June 26, 2023 meeting, the Pleasant Hill City Council approved the hiring of Assistant City Manager Ethan Bindernagel as the new City Manager. Bindernagel takes over for outgoing City Manager June Catalano, who retired on June 16, 2023, following a 17-year career with the City.
Bindernagel came to Pleasant Hill in 2021, after spending 14 years working for the City of Walnut Creek. He began his career in government in 2000 at the federal level as a congressional aide in the House of Representatives, before attending graduate school and then transitioning to the field of urban planning in 2005. Bindernagel has extensive experience in economic development, housing, and land use planning. In his time in Walnut Creek, he served as both the Economic Development Manager and Planning Manager.
He has a Master’s degree in Community Planning, is a member of the International City/County Management Association, and is a graduate of the Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford University.
“I am looking forward to stepping into this vital role as I continue to serve Pleasant Hill in a new capacity,” Bindernagel said. He added, “This is a wonderful, vibrant city, and I am very excited to work with the City Council, the community, and City staff to help it continue to grow.”
Mayor Tim Flaherty said he is pleased to announce Bindernagel as the new City Manager, following an extensive search process.
“The Council interviewed several well-qualified candidates, but Ethan’s skillset and deep knowledge of the issues important to Pleasant Hill set him apart,” said Flaherty. “I am certain the City will be well-served by Ethan for many years to come.
Bindernagel resides in Lafayette with his wife Becca, and two children Rose and James.