Johnny Ford brings three decades of experience includes previous roles with the city of Stockton.
STOCKTON, Calif. — Stockton officially has a new city manager.
In a unanimous 7-0 vote Tuesday, the Stockton City Council approved the appointment of Johnny Ford as the new permanent city manager, ending a 10-month search. Ford officially steps into the role on Nov. 19.
“After a thorough search, we found that the right person for Stockton was one of our own,” Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said in a press release. “Johnny has lived here for many years, raised his family here, worships here, and had dedicated much of his life to serving this community. His heart is in Stockton and I believe he is the person who can help bring this council together so we can move our city forward.”
Stockton began its search for a new city manager after Harry Black resigned in January.
Ford brings nearly three decades of experience, including leadership roles in major cities across the country. He previously worked in Stockton, spending more than a decade in the city in roles such as Deputy City Manager and Director of Parks and Recreation.
He began his career working in departmental and administrative roles in Cincinnati. He then went to Durham, North Carolina, for positions in parks, recreation, and community services.
Ford moved to Stockton after his time in Durham. Following his first tenure in Stockton, Ford later accepted a role with the city of Compton, serving first as Deputy City Manager and later City Manager.
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