Debra Figone, San José’s 15th City Manager, has devoted her entire career to providing leadership in the public sector and improving the quality of life for the residents of the communities she has served.

A San José native, Ms. Figone assumed the City’s top Administrative position in 2007 following seven years as Town Manager in nearby Los Gatos, California.  Over the course of her career, she has spent over 30 years working in various positions for the City of San José and ten years with the Town of Los Gatos.  Ms. Figone’s career progressed through a number of leadership positions.  She served as Assistant City Manager in San José from 1995 to 2000, with responsibility for day-to-day oversight and management of all city departments, and for directing the development and implementation of the city’s operating and capital budgets.  She also served as Director of General Services, Acting Director of Emergency Services, and several other positions with the City, starting her career in 1969 as a part-time recreation aide while in high school.

Ms. Figone has a well-earned reputation as a leader and a champion of continuous improvement at all levels of government operations.  She holds an Undergraduate Degree in French and a Master of Public Administration, both from San José State University. She has attended the Kennedy School Program at Harvard for State and Local Officials and is also a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum.