Lincoln Mayor Primo Santini announced that the City Council has appointed James D. Estep to the position of Lincoln City Manager. Mayor Santini made the announcement on behalf of the Lincoln City Council. Estep, 50, will be paid an annual salary of $197,000.
“Estep is an experienced, well educated manager who possesses all the strengths that both the Council and City employees felt necessary for the next City Manager,” said Mayor Santini. “With nearly 20 years of experience in city government, he has strong interpersonal skills, experience in development in growing communities and proven leadership in a large organization, all critical components to help guide our City in the years to come.”
The City Council formally approved Estep’s employment agreement March 11th at their regularly scheduled Council meeting. Estep is currently serving as Interim City Manager of Elk Grove, California. He will begin working for the City as a City Manager Designee on April 28th, and will assume full responsibility as City Manager on May 1, 2008.
Estep most recently has served as Interim City Manager and Assistant City Manager of Elk Grove since February 2006. Prior to that time, Estep served as Assistant City Manager for Folsom (April 2003 to February 2006) and San Ramon (August 2002 to April 2003). Prior to that he served as the Public Services Director for the City of San Ramon from July 1989 to August 2002.
Estep received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture and his master’s degree in business administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Estep is married to his wife of 26 years, Carolyn, and has two adult daughters who are both attending college.
Estep will replace current City Manager Jerry Johnson, who will be retiring as of May 1, 2008, after nearly seven years with the City of Lincoln, and a total of 40 years of public service over his career.
“Jerry Johnson was the right person to be our City Manager for the last seven years,” Santini said. “His integrity, skills, and personality were the perfect match for a community that was moving forward while working hard to preserve its heritage. Jerry understood this, became a part of the community, and provided the leadership needed to help us do so. He is leaving Lincoln well positioned to continue the thoughtful planning of its future.
“The City of Lincoln’s citizens, employees, and Council thank him for a job well done.”
