Cathedral City picks Andrew Firestine as new city manager
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - After an extensive nationwide search, Cathedral City is set to hire Andrew Firestine as its new city manager.
The move will be official after a contract approval at the Feb. 11 city council meeting.
Firestine, who currently serves as the city's Director of Community and Economic Development, would assume the role on Feb. 12, 2026, per the terms of the contract.
"The City Council conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader for Cathedral City," said Mayor Raymond Gregory. "After evaluating candidates from across the country, it became clear that the best person for the job was already part of our team. Andy's experience, vision, and deep understanding of our community made him the clear choice."
Firestine is an experienced local government professional with a career focused on creating lasting community impact and delivering efficient, effective, and responsive service.
A California native, he spent the first 16 years of his career in Colorado, working for a regional council of government and the cities of Colorado Springs and Centennial in various planning and management roles.
Firestine relocated to the Coachella Valley in 2019 and served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Palm Desert, managing multiple service areas until 2022. He then served as Director of Development Services for the City of Escondido before joining the City of Cathedral City in September 2023.
In his current role as Director of Community and Economic Development, he has led the city's planning, economic development, code compliance, and building services.
Firestine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego and a Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and the International City/County Management Association.
Anne Ambrose, who has been serving as Interim City Manager since Charlie McClendon's retirement in September 2025, will transition back to her role as Assistant City Manager.
