Modesto’s deputy city manager leaving for Berkeley job

Modesto Deputy City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley is leaving to become Berkeley’s deputy city manager.

Her last day with Modesto will be Jan. 21. She starts her new job Feb. 9. Modesto City Manager Jim Holgersson said he expects to appoint one of the city’s department directors as interim deputy city manager.

Williams-Ridley came to Modesto in January 2010 from San Mateo County, where she was assistant human resources director. She started in Modesto as human resources director but was named deputy city manager in September 2010.

She said she has loved her time in Modesto and said it is an amazing community, but she wanted to work in a community that is “a little more progressive in terms of diversity and the high-energy, community-driven projects Berkeley is known for.”

“Obviously, it’s a happy-sad moment,” Holgersson said. “Happy for her and her professional career and sad for us. We are losing an excellent manager.”

Williams-Ridley said her Modesto salary is about $168,000. She will earn $188,000 in her new job, according to Berkeley spokesman Matthai Chakko.

During her time in Modesto, Williams-Ridley’s duties have included overseeing public works, community and economic development, information technology and human resources. She has a bachelor’s degree in government from California State University, Sacramento, and about 25 years of experience working for cities and counties in California.

This story was originally published January 9, 2015 at 2:05 PM with the headline "Modesto’s deputy city manager leaving for Berkeley job."