Sunnyvale Appoints Tim Kirby as New City Manager

The Sunnyvale City Council unanimously appointed Tim Kirby as the new City Manager, effective Sept. 1.

Kirby has been the Interim City Manager since June 29 and was previously the City’s Director of Finance. The City conducted a national recruitment to replace City Manager Kent Steffens, who retired at the end of June after 13 years with the City.

“Tim’s depth of experience with our City operations and finances is a tremendous asset that will greatly benefit the many important initiatives we have underway,” said Mayor Larry Klein. “He also has enormous enthusiasm for public service and our City employees. I know he’ll be a strong leader for the organization and continue to maintain Sunnyvale’s reputation as a well run City.”

“Guiding the City through this transition has been an incredible experience, and I am honored the City Council entrusted me with the role of City Manager moving forward,” said Kirby. “Our community and its leaders are continually engaged in enhancing Sunnyvale as an even better place to live and work. And our dedicated City team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional services to Sunnyvale’s residents and businesses. I am excited to continue this mission and advance the City Council’s strategic priorities.”

Kirby has served Sunnyvale for 29 years, beginning his career with the City in 1995. He became Assistant Director of Finance in 2013 and Director of Finance in 2016. Prior to that, he supported Sunnyvale’s utility services in a variety of roles in both the departments of Finance and Public Works.

As head of the Department of Finance, Kirby oversaw all financial operations and ensured regulatory compliance for the City. He has led the development and presentation of the annual City budget and the City’s annual financial statements for the last eleven years.

Kirby is a graduate of San Jose State and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Integrated Waste Management. He also served as an Early Care and Education Commissioner for the City of San Jose and volunteers regularly for the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers. Kirby’s annual City Manager salary will be $398,000.