Berkeley City Manager Christine Daniel to leave, take up job in Oakland
Update 6/3/15: This story has been updated to reflect an interview with the communications director for the city of Oakland as well as new information from the spokesperson for the city of Berkeley.
Christine Daniel, the Berkeley city manager, will be leaving to take up a similar position in Oakland in August.
Daniel will share the title of assistant city administrator for the city of Oakland with Claudia Cappio and will provide “day-to-day direction” to the city’s employees, said Karen Boyd, Oakland’s communications director.
As the city manager of Berkeley, Daniel oversaw the enforcement and implementation of city policies, according to city spokesperson Matthai Chakko. She assumed the role in May 2012 and has worked for the city for 15 years.
“Berkeley is filled with creative, passionate people who are not afraid to try something new or to challenge conventional wisdom, while at the same time remaining committed to preserving the unique character of this wonderful place,” Daniel said in her letter of resignation. “It has been a pleasure to work with so many.”
Before serving as city manager, Daniel was Berkeley’s deputy city attorney for eight years. She also held many positions while working for the city of Fremont, including deputy city manager, deputy director of community development, senior manager in the city manager’s office and deputy city attorney. She is a 25-year resident of Oakland.
“I am honored to be joining the Oakland team,” Daniel said in a press release. “I look forward to working in my home city and devoting my skills and experience to a place that I love.”
Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates said in a press release that Berkeley would be losing a valued public servant.
“I want to congratulate Ms. Daniel and am happy that Oakland will be gaining one of the most capable civic administrators I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” Bates said in the release. “I will miss her service in Berkeley, and I wish her well in her new role in Oakland.”
The city administrator appointed Daniel because she has “made tough decisions and has run city operations” in Berkeley — an East Bay city similar to Oakland that faces similar issues, Boyd said.
According to Boyd, the city of Oakland hopes Daniel will “provide strong leadership” and help “re-establish trust and a good working relationship with the communities (it serves).”
Daniel was paid a salary of $225,000 and benefits of about $76,800 in 2013 for her work as city manager. An assistant city administrator of Oakland earned $231,452 in total wages and $79,257 in benefits in 2013. Boyd said Daniel’s salary would be $223,000.
Daniel’s last day working for Berkeley will be July 24, and Berkeley City Council has yet to appoint a replacement, Chakko said. According to Boyd, Daniel will begin working for the city of Oakland on Aug. 10.
Contact Sally Littlefield and Daniel Tutt at newsdesk@dailycal.org.