Tom Haglund, a deputy city manager for Hanford, will take over as top city administrator of Gilroy starting May 5. His career move was made official Monday night, when the Gilroy City Council voted unanimously to hire Haglund, who had come out as a favorite among some 32 candidates who applied for the job. The position will be a step-up on the career ladder for 44-year-old Haglund.

"We're very pleased," said Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro, who was reached by phone this morning. "After a long process of recruitment, we are fully confident that we've made the right decision."

Impressed with the depth and breadth of Haglund's city management experience, Pinheiro said Haglund would bring "fresh, new perspectives" to the city, which also hope the legacy of his longtime predecessor is maintained in the transition.

Haglund oversees a range of departments in Gilroy, including community development, environmental program, fire and police, parks, recreation, and a nationally reputed 85-year-old municipal golf course. Gilroy, known for its garlic production and shopping outlet, is a southern Santa Clara County city of 50,000 population marked with agricultural production and processing as well as booming retail industries and gateway to Silicon Valley.

Haglund and the city have agreed to an annual contract paying him a base salary of $199,000 a year. That's a $67,696 raise for Haglund, who has served Hanford as its multi-tasking deputy city manager since 1996.

Haglund, who holds a master's degree in public administration from Portland State University, has nearly 14 years' experience in municipal government management. He currently directs the community development department, chairs the board of the San Joaquin Valley Power Authority and serves as municipal air port director.

A city of Gilroy document recommending Haglund's appointment credited him with having a strong background in community development, many joint partnership with community groups, as well as fiscal management.

"Tom comes to Gilroy with excellent experience and skills as a strong leader," a letter by the recruitment subcommittee made up of three city council members, including Mayor Al Pinheiro. "Tom's experience with the city of Hanford will be an asset to the city of Gilroy."

Haglund will succeed Jay Baksa, who retired in January after 24 years as Gilroy's city administrator.

He was one of five applicants who showed up at the Hilton Garden Inn in south Gilroy Feb. 1, where two interview panels comprised of 16 community leaders interviewed the candidates. Haglund was one of the three finalists to make the cut, and after the second round of interviews, the council agreed in closed session that he was the body's top choice.

In mid-February, the subcommittee and investigator visited Hanford to see the downtown Hanford streetscape Haglund has helped improve during his tenure and learn what he might bring to Gilroy by talking with colleagues and community members.

Haglund had since been going through a rigorous background check and contract negotiation with the city council.

Haglund could not be reached this morning for comment. Hanford City Manager Gary Misenhimer said he expects a notice from Haglund today.

Chris Bone at The Gilroy Dispatch contributed to this report.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(April 8, 2008)