Lemoore City Council hires Arizona woman as city manager

Councilmembers have been searching for a new city manager since March when former manager Jeff Laws abruptly resigned. Welsh will replace interim City Manager Ron Hoggard, who plans to work until June 30 at which point Lemoore Chief of Police Darrell Smith will assume temporary the city manager’s job until Welsh takes over on July 6.

Welsh comes to the city with a wealth of experience. She currently is an assistant to the town manager and has been with the City of Gilbert since 2012.  Prior to that she worked at the City of El Mirage, Arizona where she was an assistant city manager. She worked from 2008 to 2011 as the Director of Community Services and Arts & Culture for the City of Sedona. She was Sedona’s assistant city manager from 2004-2008.

"I'm thrilled and honored for the opportunity to serve as the next city manager of Lemoore," said Welsh from her home in Gilbert, Arizona. "As a California native, I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz before receiving a full scholarship to Villanova University, Pennsylvania for my Master's Degree in Public Administration."

Councilmember Ray Madrigal was pleased with the selection of Welsh. "All the candidates that came before us were well qualified," said Madrigal. "But Andi stood out for her impressive resume and had obviously done her homework regarding the City of Lemoore. She has a very strong background in community development and her energy and enthusiam will help the city in its efforts to attract business."

Welsh said she worked hard to learn about Lemoore as she went through the hiring process. "In preparation for the selection and interview process, I met with or spoke to many community and business leaders, residents, and staff to develop an understanding of Lemoore. I will continue to build on this foundation to ensure a smooth transition."