Economic Development Director Gonzalez resigns position

By Doug Spoon, Editor

One of the longest serving and most popular City of Menifee staff members has resigned her position.

Economic Development Director Gina Gonzalez has accepted a position with the City of Lake Elsinore. Her last day in Menifee was Wednesday. An announcement about her departure stated that City Manager Armando Villa “will be overseeing economic development operations as the City develops a plan going forward.”

Gonzalez played an integral part in one of the state’s fastest growing cities, securing projects that shaped the city’s economy. During her 10 years here, Gonzalez provided stability at City Hall when the city was transitioning mayors and city managers. Last June, she was recognized as a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). That made Menifee the only city in Southwest Riverside County to have a Certified Economic Developer on its staff leading city economic development efforts and strategies.

“Gina has been an integral part of the Menifee team since 2014 and has led the Economic Development Department with dedication, passion, and expertise, playing a significant role in helping to facilitate our City’s successful economic growth,” Villa said. “Gina’s contributions to the City of Menifee have been invaluable and we know that she will only continue to be successful in her next chapter. We wish her all the best and future success.”

Gonzalez was recognized at Wednesday night’s City Council meeting and presented with a certificate of appreciation.

“A professional goal of mine has been to return to my roots in government relations, and my new position in Lake Elsinore will allow me to oversee legislative matters in addition to economic development,” Gonzalez said. “While I am excited for this new growth opportunity, it is bittersweet to say goodbye to the incredible team here in Menifee.

“Together, we have achieved numerous milestones and worked tirelessly to foster economic prosperity for the city. I am forever thankful for my time at the City of Menifee and the relationships I have built throughout the community.”

Gonzalez’ departure comes three weeks after Villa returned from a four-month paid administrative leave. There still has been no announcement of the reason for that leave, and an investigation continues. Meanwhile, Assistant City Manager Rochelle Clayton remains on leave.

"I'm obviously saddened to hear this," former City Council member Matt Liesemeyer said in addressing the council Wednesday night. You look around the city and Gina's mark is everywhere.

"It's safe to say that 95 percent of city staff in this building wouldn't be here if not for Gina. She came to us at a time when we had a rocky city council, and she was integral in the placement of a new city manager."