05/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2025 11:40
The City of Malibu announced the appointment of Ambassador Candace Bond as Interim City Manager, bringing a seasoned global leader - and longtime Malibu resident - into city government at a time of urgent recovery and historic opportunity.
A resident of Malibu for more than 30 years, Ambassador Bond has long been an engaged and respected figure in the civic life of Los Angeles County. She raised her family in Malibu and has chosen to step into this role not for career ambition, but as an act of personal service.
"This is a labor of love," said Ambassador Bond. "Malibu is home. I raised my children here. I want to use every bit of experience I've gained in public life to help this city recover and move forward with resilience, vision, and care."
Bond's appointment comes just months after the Palisades Fire and a series of devastating winter storms that destroyed over 400 homes, many along Malibu's iconic beachfront - destruction that has yet to be fully recognized nationally for its scale and severity.
A graduate of Harvard College with honors and a recipient of an MBA from Harvard Business School, Ambassador Bond was recently honored with the Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award, the school's highest alumni recognition. She also served as United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, where she became the first ambassador of any country to receive the Golden Hummingbird Award, the nation's highest civilian honor.
She was also recognized by the U.S. Department of State for excellence in diplomacy and leadership, reflecting a career of high-impact service, bridge-building, and strategic coordination at the highest levels of government.
Locally, Ambassador Bond has been deeply involved in education and community development. She served on the Board of the Los Angeles County Office of Education and as Co-Chair of the MLK Community Development Corporation, where she led efforts to revitalize the 42-acre medical campus in Watts, transforming it into a hub for healthcare, employment, and equity.
In recognition of her service, she was named an LA County Woman of the Year for her efforts to bring about health access and equity in South Los Angeles.
"Ambassador Bond brings the heart of a neighbor and the skills of a world-class leader," said Mayor Marianne Riggins. "We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber stepping into this role during such a critical moment."