The Hermosa Beach City Council today announced the selection of longtime South Bay public servant Steve Napolitano as Hermosa Beach’s full-time City Manager. The official vote to approve the new City Manager’s contract will take place during the upcoming December 9 Council meeting.
A lifelong South Bay resident and licensed attorney, Napolitano brings more than three decades of city leadership, government experience and legal expertise to the full-time City Manager role. His background includes five terms as a Manhattan Beach City Councilmember and 12 years as Senior Deputy to former Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
Napolitano has served as Hermosa Beach’s Interim City Manager since May 28, following the departure of former City Manager Suja Lowenthal. In that role, he has guided the City’s day-to-day operations, implemented Council policies and ordinances and supported major capital improvement projects.
“During his time as Interim City Manager – from 7:00 am on day one – Steve has worked tirelessly to lead and support our City staff. He brings to our community years of experience in city government and a lifelong understanding of our beach culture,” said Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann. “He has demonstrated the sound leadership, judgment and commitment that Hermosa Beach deserves. We look forward to working with Steve in the years to come, together moving the City toward a bright future.”
If his contract is approved, Napolitano will assume the full-time City Manager role on December 10, with responsibility overseeing 150 full-time employees and a $55.5 million annual budget. His selection follows a broad, nationwide search for a long-term city manager conducted by executive recruitment firm Peckham and McKenney, during which 56 candidates were considered for the position.
Prior to his service as Interim City Manager, Napolitano served as both Councilmember and Mayor on the Manhattan Beach City Council. During his tenure, Napolitano presided over significant investments in city infrastructure; increased City funding through several voter-approved tax and fee measures; hired additional police officers and firefighters and improved City services. He was both the youngest and the longest-serving elected official in Manhattan Beach history. He also served as president of the Independent Cities Association and was active within the Contract Cities Association and the League of California Cities.
“I’m grateful for Council’s continued trust, and for the honor and privilege of serving the great city of Hermosa Beach,” said Napolitano. “Growing up in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa has always been a second home to me, and I’m well acquainted with its people and its culture. Serving as Interim City Manager over the past six months has given me an even greater appreciation of what makes Hermosa Beach special. I’m thankful for the progress our team has made, and I look forward to keeping that momentum going with Council, our community and City staff.”
In between his tenures on the Manhattan Beach Council, Napolitano represented Supervisor Knabe throughout the beach cities, including Hermosa Beach. He oversaw several departments for the Supervisor and worked on several key initiatives, including the revitalization of County libraries, establishment of the Clean Power Alliance, creating a one-stop shop for businesses and expanding affordable housing in Marina del Rey, among many other contributions.
From 2017 to 2022, he served as chief of staff and senior advisor to Long Beach Councilwoman Stacy Mungo. In addition to his extensive track record of public service, Napolitano is also a licensed attorney experienced in municipal and education law who served as a state appointed attorney in successfully representing hundreds of clients before the California Board of Parole.
Napolitano has received numerous honors for his public service, including the South Bay Chambers of Commerce Service Award, H.E.L.P. Inspiration Award, Manhattan Beach Distinguished Service Award, Cancer Support Community Certificate of Appreciation, Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award and induction into the Mira Costa High School Hall of Fame. He earned his Juris Doctor at Loyola Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University. He lives in Manhattan Beach.
If his contract is approved by the Council, Napolitano’s annual salary would be $270,000.
