Pasadena City Council Announces Appointment of Mike Futrell as New City Manager

PASADENA, Calif. - Pasadena City Council is pleased to announce that Mike Futrell will be appointed as the next City Manager, with an expected start date of Wednesday, May 13.

Futrell brings more than 30 years of public-sector experience, including 18 years in executive Chief Administrative and City Management roles. He currently serves as City Manager for the City of Riverside, and previously held leadership posts including City Manager of South San Francisco, Chief Administrative Officer for the City/County of Baton Rouge, State Director in the United States Senate, Executive Vice President at Hawaii Gas, and elected roles in both the Louisiana House of Representatives and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council. He is a retired U.S. Navy Captain having served 26 years of active duty and reserve service.

Throughout his career, Futrell has overseen major capital projects, complex public-private partnerships, innovative economic development strategies, and large municipal operations including utilities, airports, convention centers, and full-service city departments. His experience includes leadership of city-owned electric and water utilities serving up to 200,000 customers, as well as regulatory, customer service, rate-setting, and intergovernmental functions.

In South San Francisco, Futrell led the city's transformation into a biotech economic powerhouse, generating funding for housing, transit, and sustainability initiatives. He also led the restoration of the South San Francisco Bay waterfront, in a $3 billion public-private partnership. In Riverside, he has steered major economic expansions in green technology, aerospace, and life sciences; delivered landmark capital projects; and strengthened community engagement and transparency. His background also includes significant work in strategic planning, public safety, emergency management, financial recovery, labor relations, communications, and organizational development.

The appointment follows an extensive national search process and reflects the City Council's commitment to selecting a seasoned, innovative, community-centered leader to guide Pasadena into its next chapter.

Mayor Victor Gordo said, "On behalf of the entire City Council, I want to express our deep appreciation to outgoing City Manager Miguel Márquez for his dedicated and effective service to the people of Pasadena. His leadership has helped guide our city through important challenges and opportunities, and we are grateful for his commitment.

I also want to acknowledge the many highly qualified and talented candidates who stepped forward throughout this process. They brought forward thoughtful ideas and diverse perspectives, and the City Council benefited greatly from the depth of experience and vision they shared.

Today, we welcome Mike Futrell and his wife, Susan Freeman, to our great city. Mike is a seasoned, proven city manager whose experience, collaborative approach, and steady leadership will serve Pasadena well. He brings a skill set that will help us confront the complex issues facing our community-both now and in the years ahead-and support the dedicated staff who work every day to make Pasadena a better place for all."

Futrell said he is honored to have been selected for the opportunity to serve Pasadena. "I have spent my life in public service, from the U.S. Navy to elected office to leadership roles at the federal, state, and local levels. The unique blend of experiences I've gained has prepared me to lead a dynamic and forward-looking city like Pasadena," Futrell said. "Pasadena holds a special place in my family's life. My wife Susan and I have spent many years visiting and enjoying Pasadena, and we plan to be active in the community. I look forward to collaborating with the Council, staff, and community members to advance the City's priorities and ensure Pasadena's continued success."

Futrell's initial focus areas in Pasadena will include major citywide initiatives such as the Reconnecting Pasadena 710 Vision Plan, Eaton Fire Recovery, Pasadena's transition to carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030, and continued financial sustainability, along with long-term commitments to community engagement, public safety, and organizational excellence.

A lifelong learner, Futrell is working towards his Ph.D. at University of California-Merced (College of Engineering, Management of Complex Systems). He holds a Juris Doctorate (JD) from Louisiana State University Law School, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Public Administration from Louisiana State University, and completed a two-year certification in Corporate Innovation at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

In his free time, Futrell enjoys spending time with Susan visiting cultural destinations and experiencing outdoor spaces. He also volunteers in the community, often alongside his wife who is an active Rotary Club member and Rotary District DEI Chair, as well as a CEO, a published author and educator. He has four adult children: son, James who is a Naval Officer in San Diego and part of the recovery team for the Artemis II crew and capsule upon splash down; daughter Grace, who served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine and is a senior executive in the Defense Counterintelligence Agency; daughter Madeline who is an artist and scientist; daughter Julia who is an engineer; and a rescue cat named, "MaLou."