Cypress City Council Appoints Shannon DeLong as City Manager

The Cypress City Council is proud to announce the appointment of Shannon DeLong as the City's next City Manager. With her appointment, DeLong becomes the tenth City Manager in Cypress' history and the first woman to hold the position.

The City's nationwide search drew a strong field of candidates. Five individuals were interviewed, with three advancing to second-round interviews before the City Council unanimously appointed DeLong at their February 23 meeting.

"Shannon distinguished herself throughout the recruitment process with her depth of experience, strategic insight and clear commitment to public service," said Mayor Leo Medrano. "Her leadership marks an exciting new chapter for our City and we look forward to the energy and vision she brings to Cypress."

DeLong currently serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Whittier, a role she has held since June 2018. During her tenure, she has overseen key operational initiatives, including establishment of the Whittier Navigation Center, expansion of the historic Central Library and remodeling of the Uptown Senior Center, along with the upgrade of numerous parks and public facilities. She supported long-range fiscal planning and organizational development and served as Whittier's Interim City Manager during a period of executive transition.

"I am honored by the City Council's trust in appointing me as City Manager. Cypress benefits from strong leadership, dedicated staff and engaged residents, and I am excited to build strong relationships with our community members and business owners as we work together to serve this exceptional City," said DeLong.

Prior to joining Whittier, DeLong spent more than a decade with the City of Downey, where she advanced through several leadership roles, including Assistant to the City Manager, Library Director and Interim Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. DeLong also served as Acting Deputy Executive Officer of the Gateway Water Management Authority and worked for The Aerospace Corporation, a federally funded research and development facility. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA and a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

DeLong is expected to assume her duties on March 30.