The Irvine City Council has unanimously appointed Assistant City Manager Sean Crumby to serve as interim City Manager, effective July 7. The appointment was made at a special meeting today.
Crumby will step into the role following the departure of City Manager Oliver C. Chi, who was recently appointed as the next City Manager for the City of Santa Monica. Chi has served as Irvine’s sixth City Manager since December 2021, leading the City through significant moments of innovation, growth, and community investment. His last day will be July 6.
The City Council commended Chi for his service and expressed confidence in Crumby’s leadership during this transitional period.
“I extend my gratitude to City Manager Oliver Chi for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Irvine over the past three and a half years,” Mayor Larry Agran said. “I am confident that Assistant City Manager Sean Crumby will do an excellent job advancing the City’s vision and priorities during this transition.”
Since joining the City of Irvine in 2023, Crumby has played a pivotal role in shaping the City’s infrastructure and sustainability efforts. He was initially appointed as the City’s first Director of Project Delivery & Sustainability, where he oversaw Irvine’s expansive Capital Improvement Program — managing approximately $100 million in projects annually — as well as environmental programs and the implementation of Active Transportation Program initiatives.
“I’m honored by the Council’s trust and the opportunity to serve Irvine in this new capacity,” Crumby said. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff and community members to advance the priorities that make Irvine one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking cities in the nation.”
In December 2024, Crumby was promoted to Assistant City Manager – Great Park/External Operations. In this capacity, he has led the development of the Great Park while continuing to oversee the City’s public works, transportation, and sustainability operations.
Crumby brings nearly three decades of executive leadership experience in municipal government, including more than 17 years in director-level and executive roles. His previous roles include Director of Public Works for the City of Huntington Beach; Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director for the City of Seal Beach; and multiple leadership positions in Long Beach, including Deputy General Manager of the Water Department and Bureau Manager of the Energy Resources Department. He is a registered Civil Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada.
Sean has been married to his wife, Clarice, for 21 years. In their spare time, they enjoy spending time with their puppies, Finchley and Brixton, and traveling.
The Irvine City Council will consider Crumby’s contract at the June 24 City Council Meeting.