By Alexander Nguyen, Patch.com

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — The current city manager for Hermosa Beach was named as the new CEO of Beach Cities Health District, one of the largest preventative health agencies in the nation, the agency announced Tuesday.

Tom Bakaly will officially take over for Susan Burden as CEO on Nov. 1.

"Tom has a proven track record of strong leadership both inside and outside of our community, and is uniquely qualified to make an immediate impact on the health and well-being of Beach Cities residents,” BCHD Board president Jane Diehl said.

Bakaly has long been a valuable community partner of the Health District and played a pivotal role in improving the health of Hermosa Beach residents during his tenure as city manager, she said.

Before coming to Hermosa Beach, Bakaly worked as city manager and finance manager/director of capital programs for Park City, Utah, where he helped plan and execute the 2002 Winter Olympics.

“When I arrived in Hermosa Beach in 2012, one of the first community meetings I scheduled was with Beach Cities Health District CEO Susan Burden," Bakaly said. "I immediately connected with the organization’s values and developed an appreciation for the critical work and services they provide throughout our community.” 

Bakaly was instrumental in helping guide Hermosa Beach’s 2012 adoption of the nation’s second strongest “Complete Streets” policy in support of healthy transportation. He also oversaw Hermosa Beach’s adoption of comprehensive smoke-free policies in 2016.

"Tom is a remarkable leader and an even better person,” Burden said. "I've had the pleasure of working with Tom during the years, and I’m very happy with the board's decision. Great things are ahead for BCHD and our community."

BCHD serves the communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach.

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