The city of Manhattan Beach this week announced the hiring of a new finance director and fire chief, as well as an interim public works director.
Libby Bretthauer Named Finance Director
The city has named Libby Bretthauer as the finance director for the city of Manhattan Beach.
Bretthauer has served as acting finance director since March 2025 and has more than a decade of progressive
experience within the city’s finance department, including serving as a financial analyst.
“Libby’s decade of progressive advancement
within our organization, combined with her exceptional performance as acting finance director, demonstrates her readiness to take on this
critical leadership role,” said City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian in a statement. “I am confident that this appointment will
serve our community well and ensure continued excellence in financial
management. Libby’s leadership will
be instrumental as we continue to set the standard for municipal fiscal
responsibility.”
Bretthauer's experience includes budget management, strategic financial planning,
innovation and leading programs and initiatives that address City Council and city priorities with a community-focused approach.
Bretthauer holds a bachelor's degree in Business
Administration, with emphasis in Finance and Economics from Washburn
University, and a master's degree in Politics, Economics, and Business
from Claremont Graduate University. She is also a Certified Public
Finance Officer.
She will oversee all aspects of the city’s financial
operations, including budget development, financial reporting,
accounting, revenue services, and strategic financial planning
initiatives. Her appointment is effective
immediately.
Jesse Alexander Named Fire Chief
The city has named Jesse Alexander, who currently serves as fire chief for Yuba City, as Manhattan Beach's new fire chief. He will begin his position on July 7.
"His strong administrative capabilities, collaborative approach, and proven leadership make him the right choice to continue our fire department's exemplary service," said Mirzakhanian.
Alexander joined the Yuba City Fire Department in January 2020
from the Chico Fire Department, where he had served as division chief in
charge of training and administration, focusing on emergency
management. He has an Associate of Arts degree from Sierra College and a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Chico State University.
Alexander
began his firefighting career with CalFire in the Auburn area. In 2001,
he joined the City of Chico Fire Department and served on the department's rescue team, specializing in Swiftwater Rescue. He has held
key operational positions on multiple high-profile incidents, including
the Oroville Spillway Incident, Stoney Fire, Thomas Fire, and
Fentanyl-Mass Overdose incident. He also served as Branch
Director on the Paradise Camp Fire, performing the largest search and
rescue operation in California history.
Alexander received his Chief Officer
Certification from the California State Fire Marshal board in 2016, and
is a registered State Fire Marshal Instructor for multiple courses.
Lang announced in December that he
would be retiring after a 32-year career in public service, including
almost four years of leadership in Manhattan Beach. He remained in
his role while the city conducted a search for his successor.
Ted Semaan Named Interim Public Works Director
Following the announcement by Public Works Director Erick Lee that he would be retiring, the city has named Ted Semaan as interim public works director, effective July 7.
Semaan recently retired from the city of Redondo Beach, where he served as public works director for nearly 10 years.
"With over 30 years of public service experience across multiple municipalities, he will provide valuable continuity as we search for a permanent director," said Mirzakhanian.
