The City Council of Cathedral City will consider for approval a contract appointing Andrew “Andy” Firestine as the city’s next City Manager at the Feb. 11, 2026, Regular Meeting. Firestine, who currently serves as the city’s Director of Community and Economic Development, would assume the role on Feb. 12, 2026, per the terms of the contract.
“The Council conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader for Cathedral City,” said Mayor Raymond Gregory. “After evaluating candidates from across the country, it became clear that the best person for the job was already part of our team. Andy’s experience, vision, and deep understanding of our community made him the clear choice.”
Firestine is an experienced local government professional with a career focused on creating lasting community impact and delivering efficient, effective, and responsive service. A California native, he spent the first 16 years of his career in Colorado, working for a regional council of government and the cities of Colorado Springs and Centennial in various planning and management roles.
Firestine relocated to the Coachella Valley in 2019 and served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Palm Desert, managing multiple service areas until 2022. He then served as Director of Development Services for the City of Escondido before joining the City of Cathedral City in September 2023. In his current role as Director of Community and Economic Development, he has led the city’s planning, economic development, code compliance, and building services.
Anne Ambrose, who has been serving as Interim City Manager since Charlie McClendon’s retirement in September 2025, will transition back to her role as Assistant City Manager. The City is grateful for Ambrose’s dedicated leadership and steady guidance during this important transition.
Firestine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego and a Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and the International City/County Management Association.
Cathedral City is the second-largest city in the Coachella Valley, serving more than 52,000 residents. With a thriving downtown arts and entertainment district, diverse and inclusive community, and year-round events, the city is one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. For more information, please visit www.cathedralcity.gov for city services or www.discovercathedralcity.com for news, events, and attractions.
