The San Diego Association of Governments has begun a nationwide search for a successor to former chief executive officer Hasan Ikhrata, who resigned last month after five years running the regional planning agency.
Applications for the position are due by Feb. 23, and an appointment is planned sometime in May.
SANDAG said the ideal candidate would have a strong background in leadership. The board also is seeking an expert in transportation and regional planning, capital development and operations, the agency said in a news release.
A recruitment brochure published by the $1.2 billion government entity includes specific bullet points spelling out the various characteristics the board is emphasizing in its new leader.
They want someone who values unity across a divided board of elected representatives from the county and 18 cities and who possesses the political acumen to manage a diverse organization.
The new CEO also should have a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and someone who can embrace the delineation between the roles of a chief executive and board director, among other professional strengths, the agency said.
Ikhrata, who was paid just over $414,000 a year, served his last day on Dec. 29.
At the board meeting earlier last month, the board named deputy CEO Coleen Clementson interim chief executive.
Clementson, who had served as one of two deputy CEOs in the organization, will be paid the equivalent of a $380,000 annual salary while she serves as the interim chief.
She previously was in charge of planning, projects and programs for the regional agency.
The San Diego Association of Governments is a countywide planning organization that largely focuses on transportation and transit infrastructure.
It also studies issues that affect all cities and the county, such as air quality, clean energy, public health and housing, among others.
