Bynder Named Rancho Mirage City Manager

The Rancho Mirage City Council named a new city manager on Thursday night.

After a closed session vote, council members emerged naming Randal Bynder, 50, the city’s community development director, as the new leader.

His new job will begin after his contract details are finalized and after current City Manager Patrick Pratt retires on Feb. 3, 2012.

Pratt’s shoes will not be easy to fill. He’s served the city of Rancho Mirage since 1976, and he’s served as city manager for 21 years, according to a news release from city hall.

Bynder began his career with the City in 1986 as an Associate Planner, and over the years he was promoted to Assistant Planner, Senior Planner, Planning Manager and then Community Development Director in 2006.

“We strongly believe that Randy will carry on in the outstanding tradition we received from Pat,” said Mayor Dana Hobart.