Citrus Heights council appoints police chief as new city manager

The Citrus Heights city council has selected Police Chief Christopher Boyd as the new city manager, replacing Henry Tingle who announced his retirement earlier this year.

“I am pleased to announce that our city council unanimously voted to offer the position of city manager to our now police chief, Chris Boyd, and he has accepted,” Mayor Jeannie Bruins said after a 15-minute closed session vote during a July 14 city council meeting.

In a short speech following the announcement, Boyd said he was “humbled by [the] appointment” and the council’s confidence in his leadership.

“It’s been a tremendous 10 years of being the police chief and I love this city,” said Boyd, who will take his official seat as manager on Oct. 1 of this year. “We’ve been able to accomplish so much and I really look forward to the next decade and beyond.”

The 49-year-old police chief credited his team of officers and staff for helping him run the police department over the past 10 years and also credited outgoing City Manager Henry Tingle for “all his support and mentorship and leadership.”

[follow text=”Get news updates:”]

In a news release about Boyd’s appointment, Mayor Bruins said the city “really couldn’t ask for a more ideal candidate.” She said Boyd is well-versed on issues facing the city and “understands the community and local challenges.”

“His experience affords him a vantage point many city managers do not have,” said Bruins. “We are confident the City of Citrus Heights will continue to be in very good hands.”

Boyd has served as chief of police for the Citrus Heights Police Department since its formation in 2006. He also served a one-year term as president of Cal Chiefs, a statewide association representing more than 300 police chiefs across California.

[Read more: Boyd recalls challenge, ‘honor’ of leading Cal Police Chiefs Assoc.]

Earlier this year, the council selected Boyd to act in the capacity of the current city manager, following Tingle’s announcement of his plans to retire. Tingle’s official retirement date has been set for Sept. 30 of this year, but he has been increasingly absent from city meetings.

[Read more: Citrus Heights city manager announces plans to retire]

Tingle, 60, was appointed city manager in 1999 and has been praised by city and community leaders for his strong fiscal responsibility and keeping the city out of debt. His office also took a lead role in securing the new Dignity Health Medical Office Building and City Hall Project on Fountain Square Drive, which Tingle called “by far the largest project in the history of the City.”

Reached by phone Friday, Boyd said Tingle has been “legendary” as manager, calling him “the greatest thing for Citrus Heights than probably anybody.”

Boyd said his experience serving as police chief has helped him build connections and relationships that he believes are essential to being a successful city manager. He also said the police department, as the largest department in the city, “touches all areas of the city,” with involvement in community relations, public safety, permits, and code enforcement.

According to the City website, the manager serves at the pleasure of the majority of the council and his office is responsible for “planning, supervising, and coordinating the City’s operations.” All department heads and key managers in the City report to the city manager.

Boyd said his first task as city manager will be to select a new police chief, a decision he hopes to make before October.

Chief Boyd currently lives in Granite Bay with his wife and two sons. According to the City’s website, he also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Idaho, and a Master of Public Administration degree from the College of Notre Dame.