Pleasant Hill stays local, promoting Ethan Bindernagel to city manager

PLEASANT HILL, CA (July 24, 2023) — Ethan Bindernagel is moving up from assistant city manager to city manager, following the City Council’s June 26 vote.

He takes over for June Catalano, who retired on June 16 after a 17-year career with the city.

“I am looking forward to stepping into this vital role as I continue to serve Pleasant Hill in a new capacity,” Bindernagel said. “This is a wonderful, vibrant city, and I am very excited to work with the City Council, the community and city staff to help it continue to grow.”

Bindernagel came to Pleasant Hill in 2021, after spending 14 years working for the city of Walnut Creek. He began his career in government in 2000 at the federal level as a congressional aide in the House of Representatives, before attending graduate school and then transitioning to the field of urban planning in 2005.

He has extensive experience in economic development, housing and land use planning. He is also a member of the International City/County Management Association and a graduate of the Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford University.

Mayor Tim Flaherty said he is pleased to announce Bindernagel as the new city manager, following an extensive search process.

“The council interviewed several well-qualified candidates, but Ethan’s skillset and deep knowledge of the issues important to Pleasant Hill set him apart,” Flaherty said. “I am certain the city will be well-served by Ethan for many years to come.”

Bindernagel resides in Lafayette with his wife Becca, and children Rose and James.