REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager
PREPARED BY: Veronica Navarro-Martinez, Human Resources Manager
Subject:
title
Approve the Appointment of Zack Zithisakthanakul to the Position of Chief Financial Officer and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Employment Agreement
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Statement of Issue:
The Chief Financial Officer position was vacated on August 30, 2024, following the resignation of the former Chief Financial Officer. The position was filled by Interim Retired Annuitant appointments while the City conducted a recruitment process to find a permanent replacement. Zack Zithisakthanakul was appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer in December 2025.
Financial Impact:
Funding is included in the FY 2026-2027 budget.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the “Employment Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and Zack Zithisakthanakul” for the position of Chief Financial Officer.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the appointment and direct the City Manager to conduct a new recruitment process.
Analysis:
The position of Chief Financial Officer has been vacant since August 2024, due to the resignation of the former incumbent. To maintain the integrity of the City’s services and to provide continued executive support to the Finance Department, the position was filled by Interim Retired Annuitant appointments while the City conducted a recruitment process. In December 2025, Zack Zithisakthanakul was appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer.
The City Manager recommends City Council approval to appoint Zack Zithisakthanakul to the position of Chief Financial Officer, effective August 1, 2026.
Zithisakthanakul has over eight years of experience in Finance, is professionally licensed as a Certified Public Accountant, and holds a Master of Professional Accountancy from Biola University. Prior to serving as the Acting Chief Financial Officer, Zithisakthanakul held the positions of Assistant Chief Financial Officer and Finance Manager with the City. He has served the City of Huntington Beach since June 2021.
The compensation is recommended at Non-Associated Appointed Executive Management Salary Range 0272, at Step E ($104.013 hourly). All other benefits provided are generally applicable to non-represented employees (department heads) as set forth in Huntington Beach City Council Resolution No. 2025-41.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Zack Zithisakthanakul Employment Agreement
2. Zack Zithisakthanakul Resume
3. PowerPoint Presentation