Zennie62Media broke this story by a full two days. Since media outlets didn’t want to give credit to this startup black-owned media company, Mayor Schaaf pushed the news announcement up to this point, rather than the original date she wanted. Here’s the press release. Score for Zennie62Media.
Mayor Libby Schaaf Announces Appointment of Edward Reiskin as Oakland City Administrator
Zennie62Media story from April 1, 2020: Ed Reiskin To Be New Oakland City Administrator; Mayor Schaaf Picks Former San Francisco MUNI Head
Update Added: The Edward Reiskin (Ed Reiskin) confirmation vote is expected at the next regular City Council meeting on April 21.
Oakland, CA — Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf today announced the appointment of Edward Reiskin as Oakland’s new City Administrator.
“Following a robust national recruitment process, I am thrilled to announce that I have appointed our very own Ed Reiskin to serve in the critical role of City Administrator,” Mayor Schaaf said. “Ed brings depths of experience, sharp insights, and a steady leadership style to the job in these unprecedented times. His passion for public service and the residents of Oakland will serve our community well, and help Oakland thrive into the future.”
Mr. Reiskin has more than 30 years of experience in the private, academic, nonprofit, and public sectors. He returned to Oakland in August 2019 to serve as Assistant City Administrator, where he oversaw some of the City’s infrastructure and front-line service delivery operations, including Public Works; Transportation; Information Technology; Contracts & Compliance; Parks, Recreation & Youth Development; City Clerk; 311; and planning for the new Department of Workplace & Employment Standards.
Prior to returning to Oakland, where he started his public service career in city management, Mr. Reiskin worked for the City and County of San Francisco in several executive leadership capacities over the past 12 years. Since 2011, Mr. Reiskin had served as the Director of Transportation, leading the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), where he oversaw the municipal railway (Muni), parking, traffic engineering, bicycle and pedestrian safety, accessibility, key initiatives, and taxi regulation. At SFMTA Mr. Reiskin was responsible for more than 6,000 employees, a $1.2 billion annual operating budget, and a $3 billion capital budget.
Before joining the SFMTA, he was appointed in 2008 by Mayor Gavin Newsom as Director of the Department of Public Works. He led Public Works’ three divisions with more than 1,100 employees, whose responsibilities ranged from engineering, construction management, and project delivery to graffiti removal, street cleaning, and public engagement programs. Mr. Reiskin also served as the first Director of the City and County’s 311 Customer Service Center.
Prior to joining the City and County of San Francisco, he served as the Interim City Administrator and as Deputy Mayor for the Government of the District of Columbia. As City Administrator, he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of government, provided oversight to government agencies under the mayor’s authority, and guided functional, policy and budgetary decision-making on behalf of the mayor. As Deputy Mayor, he served as senior advisor on public safety issues and provided leadership and direction in the management of departments such as police, fire/EMS, corrections, and 911/311. He also served as the District’s liaison to independent, federal, and regional public safety agencies, and as the District of Columbia’s Homeland Security Advisor.
Prior to joining the District of Columbia government, Mr. Reiskin worked for three years for the City of Oakland as an Assistant to the City Manager. In that capacity, he led citywide initiatives, supported and coordinated the work of city agencies, particularly in the areas of public safety and community development, and implemented programs and policies of the City Council and Mayor of Oakland.
“It is deeply humbling to be given the opportunity to be considered for the role of Oakland’s City Administrator,” Mr. Reiskin said. “I look forward to working with the Mayor, the City Council, other elected officials, and stakeholders to support the great employees of the City of Oakland in providing outstanding service that befits this outstanding city, particularly in support of the most vulnerable among us.”
Mr. Reiskin holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
A confirmation vote is expected at the next regular City Council meeting on April 21. If confirmed by the City Council, Mr. Reiskin will assume his duties as City Administrator on the day following confirmation.