By Kelcie Pegher, The Beach Reporter

The top administrator in Hermosa Beach for the past four years will step down in just over two months to take the helm at the neighboring Beach Cities Health District, district officials announced Tuesday.

Tom Bakaly was selected among hundreds of applicants to become CEO of the health district, which was formed 60 years ago to pay for a hospital but now supports health programs in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Bakaly will replace Susan Burden, who announced in March that she would retire on Oct. 31.

Bakaly is “uniquely qualified” to make an immediate impact, said Jane Diehl, the board president for the Beach Cities Health District. He served as an ambassador when the U.S. surgeon general visited the area this summer and worked to oversee smoke-free policies in Hermosa Beach, which some have complained lack enforcement and others claim are too far-reaching.

Though the city approved a smoking ban in 2011, this summer the city began to tighten up the language; expanding the ban on smoking downtown, at beaches and public gatherings in the entire city. Violators are subject to fines ranging from $100 to $500.

Bakaly was hired as city manager of Hermosa Beach in 2012 after working in Park City, Utah. One of the first meetings he scheduled when he arrived to the city was with Burden, he said.

“I immediately connected with the organization’s values and developed an appreciation for the critical work and services they provide throughout our community,” he said in a statement.

Hermosa Beach Mayor Hany Fangary said the city will discuss the position this evening at the council meeting. Though the discussion will be in closed session, Fangary said the search for a new city manager will be transparent.

Bakaly became Hermosa Beach's top administrator after the departure of Steve Burrell, who served the city for 18 years. John Jalili filled in as an interim city manager for five months while the city searched for a replacement. According to his most recent contract, Bakaly earns $198,252 a year in salary as city manager.

Bakaly, who lives in Hermosa Beach, said he will continue to live in his community, and begins his new post Nov. 1. 

“We’re looking forward to staying in the South Bay and for me, continuing to do work that positively impacts the health and well-being of us all in the beach cities.”

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