West Appoints New DeputyCity Manager

LONG BEACH — On Oct. 2, City Manager Patrick H. West announced the appointment of Tom Modica to the position of deputy city manager.

Modica served as the director of government affairs and strategic initiatives in the City Manager’s Office. There he coordinated the city’s federal, state and local relations.

Modica is taking the place of Deputy City Manager Reggie Harrison, who now is leading the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communication.

Modica will continue to oversee external affairs, maintaining oversight over government affairs, communications and regional initiatives like water quality, transportation, regional planning, and state and regional funding issues. Modica will also serve in an executive management role to assist the city manager and assistant city manager guide and facilitate department projects, lead special initiatives, solve problems, and continue the city’s innovation and technology efforts.

Modica has worked with city departments and elected officials on several initiatives over the years, including the management and oversight of $120 million in stimulus funds, the protection of the city’s interests through the dissolution of Redevelopment, the study of the Long Beach Breakwater, the 2010 City Council Redistricting process, and coordinating citywide media and communications issues.

Modica has worked for the City of Long Beach for the past 11 years, starting as a management assistant in July 2002, and has served in a number of different roles in the City Manager’s Office including assistant to the city manager, government affairs manager, and director of government affairs and strategic initiatives.