We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to Michelle Greene who finished her last day as our incredible City Manager this past Wednesday, August 31, after 18 years of dedicated service to Goleta, including eight as City Manager.
At her last Council meeting Ms. Greene said, “It’s been a tremendous honor for me to have served the community for so many years in Goleta. I am proud of what we have accomplished. We’ve worked on a number of high priority issues while facing unprecedented challenges and I am proud of how we matured as an organization.”
Ms. Greene is the first female City Manager in Goleta and is credited with bringing a new level of professionalism and sophistication to the organization during her tenure. Her contributions and accomplishments will continue to benefit Goleta for generations to come.
“I feel that we’ve done so many great things together. Goleta is an incredibly special place, and always will be. The City has really talented and amazing staff that want to do the best for the community. It has been a honor for me to serve beside them. I’ll be watching out for Goleta, I’m one of your biggest fans and I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for the city.”
At her last Council meeting, Ms. Greene was presented with a Proclamation and City Tile. Staff also surprised her with a video including heartfelt messages from colleagues both inside and outside the organization. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, we encourage you to do so. It’s uplifting and a clear indication of what type of leader we have been lucky to have had and the forever impact she has made on the Good Land. You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/sgzFpjp-TX8.
Many people may not know that Michelle started her career as an intern at the City of Santa Barbara and then as an intern for the City of Manhattan Beach. Once she saw the impact local government could have on helping the community, whether it be a new stop sign or a park, she was hooked on working for a city.
Ms. Greene never had a career goal of becoming a City Manager but as her career unfolded that is where the journey led her. She said, “It was never about the position but how I could best serve the community.”
The motto she lives by? “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.”
What does she love most about Goleta? For her that is an easy answer. “The people. They are so authentic, respectful, down-to-earth and smart.”
Her favorite Goleta spot is a harder question. “There are so many. I love the view at Lake Los Carneros, the Redwoods at Stow Grove Park, Haskell’s Beach and of course Ellwood Mesa to name a few.”
What does she attribute her success to in Goleta? “I couldn’t have succeeded without the support of the Council, staff and the community. Thank you.”
Michelle, we wish you a well deserved retirement and cherished time with family. We are glad we have a little longer as our City Manager Emeritus to be reasonably available to the city to answer questions and advise on pending matters.
Please join us in thanking Michelle Greene for her years of service and a Happy Retirement!
Ms. Greene’s last meeting with staff as City Manager