San Jose City Hall, 801 North First Street, Room 436, San Jose, CA 95110 (408)277-5131

Technology Chief and Finance Director Named

San José, California - San Jose -- City Manager Del D. Borgsdorf today (12/19/00) announced the appointment of Wandzia M. Grycz (pronounced Vonja Gritch) as San José’s new Chief Information Officer, and Scott Johnson as the City’s new Finance Director. The two appointments were confirmed during today’s City Council meeting. Both of the new executives were selected following an extensive national search process.

Grycz comes to the City with 20 years of public sector and university management experience in the cities of San Leandro and Richmond, and at Cal State Northridge. Johnson brings ten years of public sector financial management experience --in Milpitas, Santa Clara and Santa Clara County -- and seven years of private sector auditing experience.

"Wandzia and Scott will bring the experience, skills and dedication necessary to their new positions to ensure strong leadership for the City in these two critical areas," Borgsdorf said in announcing the appointments. "I have no doubt that under their direction we will continue to play a leading role in public sector financing and technology -- a role befitting the Capital of the Silicon Valley."

Grycz, who will assume her new position on February 5, 2001, at a salary of $155,000, has been Assistant City Manager in San Leandro since 1993 and has a proven record in leading technology change.

She helped formulate and managed implementation of San Leandro’s Information Technology 5-Year Master Plan. In addition, Grycz led the design and development of an internal strategic planning process in San Leandro that led to the creation of a strategic Economic Development program, as well as implementation of that city’s Geographical Information System.

"My real strength is as a translator among policy makers, managers and technical professionals," says Grycz. "I enjoy working with executives and their managers to define and implement cost-effective solutions that enhance customer service."

Grycz takes over a full-service Information Technology Department with a staff of 110 and a $14.1 million operating budget.

Grycz, who has two children, grew up in San Francisco and graduated from the University of San Francisco.

Johnson, who will also start on February 5, 2001, at a salary of $155,000, has been the Director of Finance in Milpitas since 1997. Prior to joining Milpitas, he was Controller Treasurer and Assistant Agency Director for the County of Santa Clara for approximately two years. He was the Assistant Director of Finance in the City of Santa Clara from 1991 to 1996.

In 1998, Johnson received a Distinguished Investment Policy Certificate from the Municipal Treasurer’s Association, and under his leadership, the City of Milpitas received the Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

"I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor, City Council and City Manager to structure a vision for the City’s long-term financing plans," says Johnson. "San José has a reputation for excellence in financial management. I’m pleased to be joining such a professional organization."

In addition to his public sector experience, Johnson was Audit Manager for Maze and Associates Accountancy Corporation from 1984 to 1991, where he managed audit and consulting services for a number of public sector organizations, as well as non-profits and private companies.

As Finance Director for San José, Johnson will lead a staff of 137 and oversee a $10.8 million departmental operating budget. San José currently enjoys a well-earned reputation for strong financial management and fiscal accountability.

Johnson, along with his wife Sue and daughter Jennifer, reside in San Ramon. He grew up in San José and graduated from Cal State Hayward.