New city manager for Sonoma

Assistant City Manager Carol Giovanatto has been promoted to the city’s top administrative post, the city council decided Monday, replacing outgoing City Manager Linda Kelly.

Giovanatto has been with the City of Sonoma for 11 years, and is currently Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director, and also serves as City Treasurer and head of the Finance Department.

“The appointment as City Manager is the pinnacle of my 37-year career in local government,” Giovanatto said.

Kelly, who took the Sonoma post in 2008 with a starting salary of $141,000, is leaving Sonoma to become town manager of Windsor, effective Dec. 13.

“The appointment of Carol will provide much needed continuity during a time of transition,” said Mayor Joanne Sanders. “I have full confidence in her ability to meet the fiscal challenges ahead.”

Giovanatto said she is focused on continuing “the high standards set by my predecessors in providing exemplary service to the citizens of Sonoma. I look forward to working together to preserve Sonoma’s economic vitality while protecting its historic character.”

Kelly moves on after nearly five years with Sonoma. She had previously served as the town manager of Fairfax for two years. Prior employment includes Assistant to the City Manager of the Town of Atherton (San Mateo County) for five years.

“I am so proud of this community in how we have come together to face the recession and the loss of redevelopment funding,” Kelly said. “I have appreciated the strong support of the City Council and the talented and dedicated staff of the city.”

Sanders said, “Linda has done a great job managing us through tough times. We wish her well, know she will be a tremendous success and Windsor is lucky to have her.”