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Leadership Appointments: Feb. 27 – March 4, 2026

March 4, 2026

Nebraska – Bryce Bailey has been appointed by the state as its new chief information security officer (CISO). Bailey previously held cybersecurity and information security leadership roles in the public sector and private industry, bringing experience in risk management, threat mitigation and enterprise security strategy; in his new role, he will oversee statewide cybersecurity initiatives and protection of Nebraska’s digital infrastructure.

California – Tom Laguna has been announced as the chief information officer for Los Angeles County’s Public Defender’s Office. Laguna previously served in multiple positions within the office, gaining extensive experience in criminal defense and public advocacy, and will now continue advancing the agency’s mission of protecting the rights of indigent clients and ensuring access to justice across Los Angeles County.

Georgia – Stephanie Cutter has been named the new chief executive officer for the Chatham Area Transit Authority. Cutter brings leadership experience in transportation and organizational management and will guide the agency’s strategic direction, operations and public transit initiatives serving the Savannah region.

Ohio – Mike Johnson has been announced as the next city manager for Steubenville. Johnson previously served as the city’s planning and zoning administrator and has worked closely on neighborhood development and community initiatives; in his new role, he will oversee municipal operations, economic development efforts and city administration.

Iowa – Tim Gleason has been unveiled as the next city administrator for Davenport. Gleason previously served in senior leadership roles in municipal government, bringing experience in city management and public administration; in his new position, he will oversee day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives for the city.

Arizona – Jenny Torres has been announced as the new city manager for San Luis after serving in the role as acting city manager for the past three years. Torres has demonstrated leadership in fiscal management and city operations during her interim tenure; in her new role, she will continue overseeing municipal services, strategic planning and administrative functions for the border city.

Florida – Karie Friling has been named as the next city manager for Sarasota. Friling previously served as city manager of Deerfield, Illinois, bringing experience in municipal administration, budgeting and community development to oversee Sarasota’s city operations and long-term strategic initiatives.

California – William Tarbox has been announced as the next city manager for Redding. Tarbox recently began the role and attended his first City Council meeting on Feb. 17, beginning outreach across city departments and facilities. He brings extensive municipal leadership experience and will oversee city operations, strategic planning and administrative functions for the Northern California community.

*The People on the Move section has been edited after publication to reflect an accurate image of Mike Johnson.

Strategic Partnerships

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a nationally focused business development, government affairs consulting, and procurement consulting firm. Since 1995, the SPI team has offered a more comprehensive suite of services than any other firm in the country. SPI’s capabilities include expertise in the areas of Public-Private Partnerships and the State, Local, and Education (SLED) market.

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