The City just issued a press release stating that City Manager Gary Luebbers has announced his retirement in October.
This is a difficult thing for me to comment on. I’ve worked closely with Gary for four years now, and he’s not just an employee that I manage, he’s become a very good friend. Gary is a special man. For now, I’ll simply say that this is a huge loss for the city, and it will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace Gary. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his efforts on behalf of all of us over the past five years. He’s made Sunnyvale a better city, and his efforts and initiatives will continue to benefit Sunnyvale for years to come.
I’m torn between sadness at his departure and some real joy that he finally gets to enjoy retirement and spend time with his family after 48 years of public service both in the Air Force and as a city manager. Just a little joy. Not too much.
More on this later, maybe.
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RT @JimGriffith_SV: Jim’s Council Blog: Sunnyvale City Manager Gary Luebbers Retiring http://t.co/Mdo5JxQpZg #Sunnyvale
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This is a tragedy for Sunnyvale. I have worked for many CEOs in my Career, Very bad ones and outstanding ones. Gary is among the very best of the outstanding ones. I hope that he did not leave because of bickering an ad hominem attacks from the council.
A huge loss for Sunnyvale. I’m sad he is leaving. And I’m sad that such an outstanding, hard-working, and classy leader, who has given so much to this city, has had to endure such hostility and contentiousness from a councilmember we elected. A summary of Mr. Luebbers significant accomplishments: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Portals/0/Sunnyvale/news_releases/2013/NR%2008%2003%2013%20City%20Manager%20Announces%20Retirement.pdf
Sad news for Sunnyvale.
RT @JimGriffith_SV: Jim’s Council Blog: Sunnyvale City Manager Gary Luebbers Retiring http://t.co/Mdo5JxQpZg #Sunnyvale
Wayne, he absolutely did.
I absolutely agree, Wayne and Barbara. A huge loss for Sunnyvale. A wonderful gain for Gary and his family. I’ve met, coached, and worked with quite a number of high level folks in high tech and healthcare. Gary is unmatched and probably unmatchable for generosity with his breadth and depth of knowledge and time to share it, street savvy, the way of the deal, the personal touch in his leadership, and such dignity and grace under the fire of our mean-spirited and uncivil political discourse. Sad news, indeed.
Maybe a certain council member should be recalled! Sunnyvale has been a example of excellence for others; we shouldn’t allow one member to mess it up. Let’s not become a bad example.
Well said Tara. Gary’s leadership style set the bar high for any successor.