City of Cathedral City Staff Honor Charlie McClendon with Heartfelt Video Tribute

As City Manager Charlie McClendon prepares for retirement after 11 transformative years of leadership, the Cathedral City team has come together to create something truly special - a heartfelt video tribute that captures the profound impact he has had on both the organization and the community he has served with such dedication.

The video features staff members from every department sharing one word that best describes Charlie's leadership style and character. From "inspirational" to "iconic," from "transformative" to "class," these single words paint a powerful portrait of a leader who has touched countless lives during his remarkable tenure.

But the tribute goes deeper than simple descriptors. Longest-tenured staff members share fond memories and personal stories that reveal the man behind the title - a mentor who has guided careers, a colleague who has celebrated successes and supported teams through challenges, and a friend who has built lasting relationships across every corner of City Hall. Throughout the video, staff members highlight Charlie's distinctive personal touches that have made him so beloved: his impeccable fashion sense that never goes unnoticed, his genuinely welcoming nature that puts everyone at ease, and perhaps most memorably, his daily ritual of greeting every single City Hall employee by name each morning.

The video captures the essence of Charlie's leadership philosophy - that strong communities are built by strong teams, and strong teams are built through genuine relationships, mutual respect, and shared vision. Over his 11 years, Charlie has fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that has enabled Cathedral City to achieve remarkable milestones, from major infrastructure projects to enhanced public services to innovative community programming.

As Charlie prepares to pass the torch to the next generation of leadership, this tribute serves as a testament to the lasting legacy he leaves behind. It's evident in the voices of his colleagues, the pride in their words, and the genuine affection that permeates every frame of the video.

Charlie McClendon's final day as City Manager is September 19, 2025, ending an impressive 47-year career in local government. While his formal tenure may be coming to an end, the impact of his leadership, mentorship, and friendship will continue to shape Cathedral City for years to come.

Watch the full staff tribute video above to experience the heartfelt messages from the Cathedral City team.

Video Credits:

• Producer/Editor - Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager
• Videography - Parker Gaunt, Code Compliance Officer I
• Production Assistant - Michelle Molina, Public Works Administrative Assistant