A familiar name in the City of Trees will now be the top executive for the city immediately to our west.

Last month the La Verne City Council approved a contract for Jesse Duff to be its interim city manager while the city continues its search for someone to fill the role on a permanent basis.

Following the June 6 city council meeting, La Verne City Manager Bob Russi announced he would retire in August after leading the city since 2010.

“It has been a pleasure working with Bob, and we are thankful for his longtime dedication and service to the La Verne community,” said Mayor Tim Hepburn.

Duff has more than 40 years of experience leading local agencies, including serving as the executive director of Tri-City Mental Health, which serves Claremont, Pomona, and La Verne. He had a long career with Duarte, including in the city manager role, and served as the interim city manager in Claremont.

Duff’s contract was effective August 1 and will end no later than June 30, 2023. Details regarding recruitment for a permanent city manager will be announced later, according to a news release.

“We are pleased to welcome Jesse Duff to La Verne while we continue our efforts to search for a permanent city manager,” Hepburn said. “With his extensive experience and leadership with our partner agency, Tri-City, I have full confidence that his local government expertise and regional knowledge will ensure daily operations continue to run smoothly.”