On Monday, the Pittsburg City Council unanimously agreed to appoint Darin Gale as its next city manager for the City of Pittsburg.
The hiring of Gale comes after former City Manager Garrett Evans announced his retirement earlier this year and after the city council appointed assistant city manager Maria Aliotti as interim city manager.
According to Mayor Jelani Killings, the city had a total of 63 applications which resulted in 13 applicants being asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. 8 candidates were then selected for panel interviews. 6 candidates then advanced—which 1 candidate withdrew. From there, the council moved forward with 5 candidates. Upon completing 3 interviews, the council determined Darin Gale was the finalist.
Councilmember Juan Antonio Banales called hiring a city manager “incredibly difficult and incredibly important” as they run the city on a day-to-day basis.
“I am very excited to have Mr. Gale joining us as our next city manager. I am specifically excited because he is going to bring extensive experience in economic development as well as extensive experience from different agencies.”
Vice Mayor Dionne Adams appreciated all the candidates who expressed interest and thanked staff for all the work they do and keep the city running.
“I do support moving forward with this appointment and Mr. Gale I look forward to working collaboratively with you,” said Adams. “The goal is to really advance our priorities, we have a lot of great things going for us here as a city. Pittsburg is a family and I welcome you to become part of that family.”
Councilmember Angelica Lopez shared one of the traits she saw in Gale was that he had the heart of a servant and she was looking for that.
“I was looking for that because I think of Pittsburg as my baby and who do you trust with that? It has to be someone that has a good heart and has the best interest of the people,” shared Lopez. “Seeing the comments that Brentwood residents are saying about Mr. Gale, just reaffirmed our decision. And I look forward to our constituents saying that about Darin one day. That they appreciate you, that they respect you.”
Killings thanked Aliotti for her time as acting city manager, noting she did so with grace and professionalism in moving things forward—calling her an incredible asset to the city.
“Mr. Gale and the excitement coming on board and lead in the city of Pittsburg. The servant-leader aspect is something that spoke. You are very personable and being able tot talk with you and feel that you are hearing what is being shared with you, but the connection and being able to understand, empathize… it really came through,” said Killings. “I am excited and in full support.”
Gale spoke briefly after the 5-0 vote.
“I am humbled by the opportunity that you have provided me this evening. I echo the sentiments that each and every one of you stated. I love local government because you are able to connect with the local community,” said Gale noting the employees touch the lives of the residents and the decisions in the council chambers effect the residents more than the state and federal government. “I agree, what an amazing staff… I look forward to joining the executive staff and building a relationship with everyone that is here this evening and look forward to get to meet and get to know everyone and the community.”
According to the city, the Fiscal year 2025/26 base salary in the employment agreement would be $312,256. The base salary and benefits will be funded through the General Fund. The estimated annual cost would be roughly $415,000
Mr. Gale is a graduate of the Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Sacramento State and a Master of Business Administration degree from Drexel University. He has been the Assistant City Manager of the City of Brentwood and most recently served as Interim City Manager. He served as Senior Development Project Manager with the City of Sacramento, where he designed and administered a federally funded small business loan program and established an economic incentive program for business attraction and retention. For 10 years he served the City of Yuba City in roles with increasing responsibility, including Deputy City Manager.
Gale is expected to assume his duties on December 15, 2025.
Previous
- Nov 7 – Pittsburg Set to Consider Appointment of Darin Gale as Next City Manager
- Oct 29 – Brentwood Agrees to City Manager Hire, Council Scolds Social Media Chatter
- Aug 25 – Maria Aliotti Appointed as Interim Pittsburg City Manager
- July 9 – Pittsburg City Manager Announces Retirement
