Irvine City Manager Oliver C. Chi has appointed two highly experienced employees to serve as Assistant City Managers. Former Deputy Director of Human Resources Brian King and former Great Park Executive Director Pete Carmichael join Chi and Assistant City Manager Michelle Grettenberg in helping to guide California’s 13th largest City and address current and ongoing priorities, including building Great Park, addressing the community’s health and wellness needs, and expanding sustainability efforts.
“I’m just tremendously excited about this new operational structure,” Chi said. “Having had the chance to work closely with Michelle, Pete, and Brian, I’m convinced that they are all individuals who live our One Irvine values authentically, and I’ve seen first-hand their commitment to the Irvine organization and our community.”
King has served the City of Irvine for 26 years, having worked in the Public Safety, Administrative Services, Human Resources, and Public Works and Transportation departments, as well as the City Manager’s Office. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in criminology from Cal Poly Pomona, a Master’s in Public Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, and certifications in negotiations from Harvard Law School and mediation from Pepperdine Law School. His responsibilities will include health and wellness operations, social service coordination, and organizational culture.
Carmichael is a real estate and planning professional with more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He joined the City of Irvine eight years ago and previously served as Director of Community Development and Director of the Orange County Great Park, coordinating one of the largest municipal projects in the country. Carmichael holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA. In his new role, he will oversee economic development, real property management, and continue Great Park development.
Grettenberg has worked at the City of Irvine for 18 years, having served as Assistant City Manager since 2020. Prior to her current position, she held multiple roles within the City Manager’s Office, including Deputy City Manager and Assistant to the City Manager, overseeing City Council services, legislative affairs, multicultural and international affairs, and special projects. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Los Angeles and a Master of Public Administration degree from Cal State Fullerton. Grettenberg will continue to provide support to the City Council, oversee legislative advocacy, and performance management.
King and Carmichael assumed their new roles February 11.