Redwood City Appoints Derek Wolfgram as Assistant City Manager

Redwood City, CA - Today, Patrick Heisinger, City Manager announced the appointment of Derek Wolfgram as Assistant City Manager.

With 29 years of service in local government, Wolfgram has served the City of Redwood City since November 2014 in a variety of leadership roles and brings extensive experience in municipal operations, organizational leadership, and community services. During his tenure with the City, he has served as Interim Assistant City Manager, Interim Human Resources Manager, Interim Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services, and Library Director, while concurrently serving as the City's ADA Coordinator.

Wolfgram's accomplishments in Redwood City include expanding the library's community engagement through the RCPL Listens initiative, increasing partnerships, and leading the significant expansion of inclusive community programs at the library, as well as innovation and leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the library was one of fifteen library finalists in the United States for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. Wolfgram also led the team that earned Redwood City's designation as All America City Finalist for its inclusive youth initiatives in 2023. Wolfgram also managed the final two years of construction of the new 45,000-square-foot Veterans Memorial Building and Senior Center that opened its doors earlier this month.

"Over the years, Derek has become the City's Swiss Army knife - someone we can count on to step into complex roles, lead through transitions, and deliver results wherever he is needed most," said City Manager Patrick Heisinger. "Across all his roles, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility and dedication to our organization and community. He brings the experience, humility, and steady leadership this role requires. As a Redwood City resident, Derek also brings a personal understanding of our community's values, priorities, and challenges, helping ensure the City Manager's Office remains grounded in the needs of the people we serve."

"Redwood City is an incredibly special place - the level of innovation and community collaboration across sectors is unlike anywhere else I've ever lived or worked. I am deeply honored to serve Redwood City in this new capacity," said Derek Wolfgram. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside City staff, the City Council, and the community to support high-quality public services for residents and businesses."

Before joining Redwood City, Wolfgram previously served in leadership roles for the Santa Clara County Library District, Butte County Library, and Denver Public Library. Wolfgram attended the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, and he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University and a Master's Degree in Library Science from Kent State University.

As Assistant City Manager, Wolfgram will support several key City functions, including Parks, Recreation & Community Services, Redwood City Public Library, Public Works Services, and homelessness response and coordination efforts within the City Manager's Office.

Wolfgram will begin serving in the role effective May 18, 2026.