Joan Kent retiring from city of SB
updated: Oct 23, 2009, 4:40 PM

Source: City of SB

SANTA BARBARA, CA – After over 32 years of service with the City of Santa Barbara, Assistant City Administrator Joan Kent announced that she will end her lengthy career with the City on December 10, 2009, to have more time for personal interests. Joan Kent works directly for City Administrator Jim Armstrong and serves as the City Administrator in his absence. Department heads that report directly to Ms. Kent include the Fire Chief, Library Director, Administrative Services Director, and Parks and Recreation Director.

Ms. Kent began her career with the City of Santa Barbara in 1977 as a Personnel Technician in Human Resources. Over the next eight years, she served in various positions in Human Resources and was promoted to Human Resources Manager in 1985. In 1994, she was appointed Administrative Services Director, responsible for Human Resources, City Clerk, Information Systems, and City Television operations. As Director, she also served as the City’s chief negotiator responsible for negotiating labor contracts with the City’s employee bargaining units, including Police, Fire, and general employees. Ms. Kent was appointed Assistant City Administrator in 2000 by former City Administrator Sandra Tripp-Jones. She has worked closely with Executive Management and the Mayor and Councilmembers on major City projects and programs, including the Teen Center, solid waste, and interdepartmental initiatives.

Ms. Kent has also worked on many collaborative efforts with other government agencies. She is particularly proud of negotiating the current agreement with the Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs, the County Public Health Department, and local ambulance provider AMR that directs over $850,000 in annual funding to local fire agencies for their first responder services.

Ms. Kent earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCSB in 1976 and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Golden Gate University in 1993.

“Joan is one of the most dedicated and hard working employees I have worked with during my entire career,” said City Administrator Jim Armstrong. “Her strong work ethic and impeccable sense of integrity have made her an ideal role model for the employees of the City, especially the aspiring women managers. She has been involved in virtually every major initiative in our City over the past several years. She will certainly be missed.”

“In my position, I’ve had an opportunity to work with many wonderful employees in the City organization,” said Joan Kent. “After 32 years, one of my favorite parts of the job and something I’ll miss is mentoring the next generation of managers.” An avid skier, she and her husband John Bridgwater are planning more time for skiing, travel, and outdoor activities.

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Assistant City Administrator Joan Kent announced lengthy career pursue personal interests