The City of El Cerrito has announced the promotion of Karen Pinkos to the role of City Manager.
Pinkos has filled the role left behind by former City Manager Scott Hanin, who retired in December after 17 years in the position.
El Cerrito’s council approved Pinkos’ contract in November, with a salary of $19,167 per month and $230,000 annually.
“I remain committed to the mission of El Cerrito and will work diligently to implement our strategic goals,” Pinkos said.
Pinkos is rather familiar with the city, having served as assistant to the City Manager in El Cerrito for five years starting in 2001, before being named Assistant City Manager in July 2006.
As the City Manager, Pinkos will lead city operations, customer service initiatives, community partnerships and interagency collaborations. The Michigan native has over 20 years of experience in professional management. Her public sector career began in the City of Oak Park Michigan before she joined El Cerrito in 2001.
“She is passionate about local government and is dedicated to promoting professional, efficient, ethical management in California and across the country,” the city’s website states.
Pinkos represents the city on various governmental associations and boards, including as the 2019 President of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and as a member of the California City Management Foundation (CCMF) Board of Trustees.
She earned undergraduate degrees at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., is a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and also a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley Executive Seminar program.
