Pinole Police Chief Neil H. Gang has been appointed as the city’s new interim city manager, effective Oct. 1, 2023, the city announced this week.
“Neil brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in municipal leadership to our city,” the city said in an online statement.
Gang, who has been Pinole’s police chief since 2014, will assume the role from current Pinole City Manager Andrew Murray, who is leaving the position this month to pursue alternative career opportunities. Murry started in his role in 2020.
WIth 10 years of service, Chief Gang is the longest tenured department head in the city, and he has served several times as the city’s acting manager during Murray’s tenure. He also served as acting fire chief while the city was searching to fill the role.
“Chief Gang has well-established relationships within the community and with current staff and has developed regional partnerships in his current capacity as Police Chief,” the city said.
“Chief Gang has demonstrated exceptional leadership ability over his department and as a highly recognized trainer and mentor in his field through his professional associations.”
The city does not appear to be interested at the moment in finding a new police chief.
“The Pinole Police Department is well structured and situated to move forward seamlessly throughout the transition,” the city said.
In a statement, Chief Gang said he his “blessed and honored” to serve as interim city manager and looks forward to working closely with the mayor, city council and staff “to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all our residents.”
“Together, we will face the challenges ahead and seize opportunities to make our City an even better place to live, work and play,” Gang said.
The city will meanwhile conduct a search for a permanent replacement for the city manager’s role.
