Beverly Hills has chosen a familiar face to steer its future, appointing Ryan Gohlich as City Manager effective July 4, 2026, following a thorough evaluation by the City Council. Gohlich, currently the Assistant City Manager, will step into the role vacated by Nancy Hunt-Coffey, who will retire in June 2026 after 35 years of public service. Announced on August 19, 2025, this decision underscores the city’s emphasis on succession planning in a region where multiple Westside cities are vying for top administrative talent.
Gohlich’s nearly two-decade tenure with the city, beginning in 2007 as an Assistant Planner, offers a robust foundation for his new role. He has progressed through roles including Senior Planner, Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner, and Director of Community Development since 2021, before his 2023 appointment as Assistant City Manager. This steady climb, marked by oversight of planning, development services, and community preservation, has earned him praise from colleagues and council members alike. Mayor Sharona Nazarian hailed his meticulous attention to detail and institutional knowledge, noting,
“Ryan is the natural choice to be our next City Manager,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “Since joining the City of Beverly Hills almost 20 years ago, Ryan has led the critical planning and development functions with a meticulous attention to detail while earning the trust of his colleagues, the City Council and the community. In Beverly Hills, we are fortunate to have strong succession planning and with several competitive City Manager recruitments currently underway on the Westside, it was important to make this selection in a timely manner. Ryan’s institutional knowledge will play an important role in the ongoing success and prosperity of our City.”
The timing of this appointment reflects strategic foresight. With competitive City Manager recruitments underway on the Westside, Beverly Hills moved swiftly to secure Gohlich, leveraging his deep understanding of local governance. His educational background, including a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University, along with certifications from the American Institute of Certified Planners, equips him to oversee the city’s nine departments and align staff with the council’s vision.
Hunt-Coffey’s retirement, announced in May 2025, marks the end of a trailblazing tenure as the city’s first female City Manager, appointed in 2023 after rising from Assistant Director of Community Services in 2008. Her legacy of leadership and humility, as praised by Nazarian, sets a high bar. Gohlich’s transition, supported by his prior collaboration with Hunt-Coffey as Assistant City Manager, suggests a seamless handover, preserving the institutional stability she cultivated.
Some might question whether promoting from within limits fresh perspectives, but Gohlich’s expressed gratitude and commitment offer reassurance.
“It is truly the privilege of my career to be selected as City Manager of Beverly Hills,” said Gohlich. “I am thankful to the City Council for the trust they have placed in me and look forward to leading the incredibly dedicated and talented staff of this organization into the future.”
His contract awaits formal approval at a future council meeting, a procedural step that will finalize his leadership role.
In a city known for its high expectations, Gohlich’s appointment represents a calculated bet on continuity and experience. As Beverly Hills navigates future challenges, his deep roots in the community could prove a stabilizing force, ensuring the city’s prosperity aligns with its storied reputation.
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