Interim director knows city well

BURBANK — City Manager Mike Flad on Thursday named Greg Hermann interim director of the Community Development Department effective July 1.

Hermann is expected to join the executive team as a permanent replacement for retiring director Sue Georgino because the city had opted to forgo the usual candidate search.

He has held several jobs in the department including associate planner, principal planner and assistant director for transportation. Recently his duties as chief assistant director have included overseeing the planning and transportation division.

“Greg’s been Sue’s No. 2 and he has been my guy,” Flad said. “He has demonstrated leadership and a broad knowledge of the aspects of the Community Development Department.”

Hermann, a 20-year veteran of the department, received his bachelor’s degree from Cal State Chico and master’s degrees from Cal State Los Angeles and USC.

“My main focus will try to get the local economy back on its feet by working on filling some of the vacant property and continuing to work with local businesses,” Hermann said. “I also plan to continue all of the neighborhood building programs that Sue started.”

Georgino was recognized Tuesday for her nine-year tenure at City Hall, where officials lauded her work in redeveloping blighted neighborhoods, among other projects.

“Like I said, he’s got some big stilettos to fill,” Mayor Gary Bric said.