City Manager Nancy Huston Accepts New Job as Solano's Assistant County Administrator

Dixon City Manager Nancy Huston broke the news to her staff this morning that she has accepted a position as Solano County’s assistant county administrator.

Huston, who has been Dixon’s City Manager since June 2008, said today that her new position allows her to serve even more Solano County residents, as well as those she’s been serving as Dixon’s city manager.

“It’s a professional opportunity for me and it’s located near my home,” Huston said. “I really enjoy working in Dixon and I really love the people that live here. I can serve the entire County. I have the opportunity to work on a large scale.”

Huston will continue working as the city manager for 60 days, enough time for the Dixon City Council to interview and hire a new city manager and also adopt a budget for the next fiscal year.

“I am going to be here for a smooth transition,” Huston said.

"The City of Dixon will miss Nancy Huston's leadership," Dixon Mayor Jack Batchelor said. "Her appointment as the Assistant County Administrator is a testament to her outstanding leadership abilities; her ability to reach consensus among differing view points and most of all her professional demeanor no matter how she is addressed either publicly or in the print media.  Since her arrival, she has been faced with unprecedented economic constraints, yet the fiscal status of Dixon is very good.  I wish her the best in her new position."

Huston began her public service career as a management analyst in the City of Fairfield Finance Department in 1989 according to a press release. She became the city’s administrative services officer in 1992. She was appointed the interim assistant city manager in 1996, and later appointed as the assistant city manager in 1997.

“Nancy possesses the kind of leadership, management skills and familiarity with local issues that Solano County needs,” County Administrator Birgitta Corsello said in a press release. “Her city perspective will enhance our ability to collaborate with our city partners.”

When asked what achievements she was most proud of during her time as city manager, Huston said: “I think coming here and revising for the financial situation, there was a lot of uncertainty. I’ve hired some really good employees here.”

Under Huston, the city welcomed Dixon Police Chief Jon Cox, Dixon Fire Chief Aaron McAlister and Finance Director Jeremy Craig. Huston said that she strived to be as transparent as possible – providing the Dixon City Council, as well as the pubic, as much information as possible to make decisions for the city.

Huston is scheduled to begin her new job in July. The new position will have Huston working alongside County Administrator Birgitta Corsello and doing things such as managing the agenda for Solano County Board of Supervisors meetings according to Stephen Pierce, the county’s public communication officer.

The new job has a base salary pay scale between $155,000 and $189,000 a year. As Dixon’s city manager, Huston earned $170,000 a year.

Huston said she will miss Dixon, especially the people she has come to know over the years. But just because she will not be driving to Dixon every morning for work, doesn’t mean she will stay away from the town. She said she will look forward to this year’s Dixon May Fair, and also working alongside her former staff members on countywide issues.

“It’s been a real privilege to be here,” she said.

Huston’s announcement comes on the heels of another city employee’s departure from Dixon. City Engineer Royce Cunningham recently accepted a position as Vacaville’s assistant director of utilities.