City of Irvine Announces Key Executive Appointments to Drive Strategic Initiatives

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Irvine City Manager Oliver C. Chi has announced several key executive appointments that will strengthen the City's ability to advance strategic projects and initiatives, including building the Great Park, addressing the community's health and wellness needs, and executing the City's economic development strategy to ensure Irvine continues to offer an exceptional quality of life.

Heather Stratman has joined the City to provide new leadership as the City's Chief Health and Wellness Director. Michelle Riske has been promoted to Human Resources Director. Sean Crumby will expand his role within the City as Assistant City Manager - Great Park/External Operations, and Pete Carmichael is moving into a new role as Assistant City Manager - Chief Development Officer.

"We have such tremendous leaders in Heather, Michelle, Sean, and Pete," Chi said. "They will be key players in our efforts to develop an overarching plan to perpetuate the exceptional quality of life available here in our Irvine community, and I am excited to see the positive impact they will have on our City in the months and years ahead."

The appointments will support the City's efforts to expand community health, safety, and welfare, while ensuring Irvine maintains premier educational opportunities, housing options balanced with open space and commercial areas, plentiful jobs and business growth opportunities fitting for the economic center of Orange County, and a continued focus on infrastructure, architecture, and community aesthetics.

Heather Stratman brings a unique skill set and professional background to her role as Chief Health and Wellness Director for the City of Irvine. With over 25 years of experience in executive leadership across Orange County and a strong background in State legislative affairs, she is exceptionally well-equipped to drive impactful initiatives in this role.

Stratman has served as Chief Administrative Officer for Housing for Health OC, Interim Chief Administrative Officer at Be Well OC, and Interim Executive Director at Irvine Adult Day Health Services. She also led the Association of California Cities - Orange County, an organization that advocates for the interests of California cities on regional public policy issues.

As Chief Health and Wellness Director, Stratman will develop and implement elements of the City's safety net for Irvine-based at-risk populations. Her first day with the City was November 18.

Michelle Riske will lead the City's efforts to institute a team-oriented, values-infused, and performance-based organizational culture as the Director of Human Resources.

A longtime City of Irvine employee with more than 19 years of experience across several City departments, including Public Safety, Community Development, and most recently, Human Resources, Riske brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Throughout her tenure, Riske has established herself as an inspiring change agent, driving meaningful improvements in every position she has held, including her most recent role as Deputy Director of Human Resources.

Assistant City Manager Pete Carmichael has been overseeing Great Park development - one of the largest municipal projects in the country - as well as economic development and real property management. In his new role as Assistant City Manager - Chief Development Officer, he will focus on advancing the City's development opportunities and economic development strategy.

A real estate and planning professional with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Carmichael joined the City of Irvine almost 10 years ago and has served as Director of Community Development and Executive Director of the Great Park.

Sean Crumby has been overseeing the City's public works, transportation, and sustainability operations. As Assistant City Manager - Great Park/External Operations, he will continue to lead the Public Works & Sustainability Department while also taking on oversight of Great Park development.

Crumby has nearly 30 years of experience in key executive leadership positions at various agencies, including the cities of Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, Long Beach, and Huntington Beach.