The Portola Valley Town Council is slated to appoint Sharif Etman as the new town manager on Wednesday, following a nationwide search to fill the top job at town hall.
Etman has served in a variety of roles with Peninsula governments during his career, most recently as interim assistant administrative services director in Redwood City. Previously he worked for the City of Los Altos, the City of Campbell and the San Mateo County Human Services Agency. Etman also previously served as executive director and chief financial officer for Rebekah Childrens Services, a mental health provider in Santa Clara County.
We are thrilled to welcome Sharif to Portola Valley," Town Mayor Jeff Aalfs said in a statement. "With his years of experience across multiple government functions, including community engagement, we are confident that his arrival will help us move forward as a community. I know that Sharif is eager to meet all of his new local partners and learn more about our unique and beautiful Town."
Etmans hiring will fill a vital gap in the towns staff, which has been without a permanent town manager for months. Former Town Manager Jeremy Dennis announced his resignation in February after seven years on the job, and is one of a number of Portola Valley staffers who have left the town in the past year.
I am excited for this opportunity, and I look forward to connecting with our community, our town council leaders, and our dedicated staff and volunteers, Etman said in the statement. Portola Valley has always prided itself as a wonderful place to live and work and I am confident that we can solve our challenges and embrace new opportunities together.
Mayor Aalfs acknowledged and thanked the town staff members for their dedication over the past few months, despite the towns vacancies.
Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have not only kept our operations running smoothly but have also showcased the remarkable strength of our team, Aalfs said in the statement. Despite the challenges that come with transitions, our staff has risen to the occasion, demonstrating their exceptional professionalism and dedication to our community. Their hard work during this interim period has not gone unnoticed, and I am proud to lead a town with such a resilient and devoted team.
While the search for a new town manager was conducted, Public Works Director Howard Young served as interim town manager. Young will return to his role as public works director, staff confirmed.
Etman's salary will be $255,818 annually, according to town documents.
