Meet Irvine’s New City Manager: Sean Crumby
Sean Crumby, who formerly served as Irvine’s interim City Manager, officially took the reigns of the city this week.
Photo credit City of Irvine
The Irvine City Council has officially removed “interim” from Sean Crumby’s title, unanimously voting to appoint him as the city’s next City Manager at its October 28 meeting.
Crumby, who served as interim city manager since July following the departure of Oliver Chi, becomes the seventh person to hold Irvine’s top administrative job since the city’s incorporation in 1971.
Mayor Larry Agran praised the decision to promote from within rather than conduct a national search.
“Sean has demonstrated strong leadership, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the City of Irvine,” Agran said. “He brings a results-driven approach to leadership, focused on delivering high-quality projects and meaningful outcomes for our community.”
Crumby joined Irvine in 2023 as the city’s first Director of Project Delivery & Sustainability, a newly created role overseeing infrastructure and environmental initiatives. He later became Assistant City Manager for Great Park and External Operations, managing public works, transportation, and sustainability programs including the city’s ambitious $1 billion Great Park development.
Before arriving in Irvine, Crumby held several key municipal posts across Southern California. His résumé includes serving as Director of Public Works for Huntington Beach, Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director for Seal Beach, and leadership positions within Long Beach’s Water and Energy Resources Departments. A registered civil engineer, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada.
Councilmembers cited Crumby’s depth of experience and record of project delivery as reasons for their confidence in him.
“He’s proven to be a very capable steward,” said Councilmember Melinda Liu. “He truly cares about the city and its development.”
City officials confirmed that Crumby’s annual salary will be $434,242, matching that of his predecessor. His three-year contract includes the same benefits available to other executive-level employees, along with a twelve month severance clause should the council terminate him without cause.
Crumby said he is honored to continue leading a city known for its innovation and quality of life.
“It has been a privilege to serve the Irvine community in an interim capacity, and I am both humbled and honored to continue as Irvine’s next City Manager,” he said. “It’s an incredible honor to help lead this great city, one that continues to set the standard for innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.”
With nearly three decades of public-sector experience, Crumby now takes the helm of Orange County’s second-largest city at a pivotal moment. By overseeing infrastructure improvements, sustainability programs, and ongoing Great Park development, Crumby will have a massive impact on Irvine’s future.