New Town Manager: Debra Figone
Former assistant manager gets nod as town's top administrator
By Nathan R. Huff
Los Gatos' new town manager will be a familiar face. Debra Figone, Los Gatos' assistant town manager from 1986 to 1990, will leave her assistant city manager position in San Jose to join Los Gatos on Nov. 13.
Figone will replace interim town manager Les White, who was hired following the departure of Dave Knapp. After 10 years as Los Gatos town manager, Knapp left in June to take the city manager position in Cupertino. The council is set to make the decision final at its Oct. 16 meeting.
"In my mind she was clearly the best candidate," Mayor Steve Blanton said. "She was the most prepared, the most knowledgeable, and she had a burning enthusiasm to come back and work in this town."
Figone will receive a starting salary of $155,000 a year, plus benefits. The compensation is $5,000 a year less than what she now is making with San Jose, but Figone said it was a worthwhile tradeoff.
"It's just a wonderful opportunity to open a new chapter in my career," Figone said. "I'm ready to be a manager, and what better place to go back to than that wonderful community."
Figone was selected by the town council over four other finalists from an initial field of 126 candidates. The council also used a panel of town employees to offer additional opinions on the finalists.
Figone comes with a long history of city government experience. After graduating from San Jose State University with a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor of arts degree in French, Figone went on to complete the John F. Kennedy School of State and Local Government program at Harvard University for senior executives.
In addition to her tenure in Los Gatos, Figone has served in various administrative positions for the city of San Jose since 1990. During that time, she has worked as acting city manager for nine months and as the general services director.
She lives in San Jose with husband Allen Figone and a daughter, Lisa.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
