Fresno’s economic development director Lippincott leaving for city manager position

21 Aug

Fresno’s economic development director Lippincott leaving for city manager position

Lance Lippincott image via City of Fresno

published on August 21, 2024 - 2:46 PM
Written by Gabriel Dillard

Lance Lippincott, Fresno’s economic development director since 2022, has taken a new position as city manager of Shafter in Kern County.

The Shafter City Council approved an employment agreement with Lippincott at its regular meeting Tuesday.

The Shafter city manager position comes with an annual base salary of $210,000.

The news was first reported by The Shafter Press.

Current City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez plans to retire. Lippincott will start in his new position on Sept. 30.

“Mr. Lippincott was selected due to his extensive economic development and management background,” according to a Shafter city staff report.

His employment agreement also includes an auto allowance of $400 and phone allowance of $100 per month. Moving expenses will be reimbursed up to $7,000.

Lippincott will earn $21,662 less annually than Gonzalez’s retirement salary, meaning a fiscal savings to the city.

City Manager Georgeanne White said Lippincott has been a valuable asset to the city in driving economic growth and fostering partnerships.

“While we are sad to see Lance leave, we are also incredibly proud and excited for him as he steps into his new role as the City Manager of Shafter. His energy, vision, and dedication have left a lasting impact on our city, and we are confident that he will bring the same level of excellence to his new position.”

A Merced native, Lippincott is a graduate of Chico State and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He led the Kings County EDC for four years and has also served as the director of the Kings County Job Training Office in that period, where he designed and implemented new programs serving businesses and jobseekers.

His last day will be Sept. 20, 2024.