Matt Mahood replaces Edith Ramirez, the city’s new assistant city manager

By Staff Reports

Matt Mahood

The city of Morgan Hill just  hired a new economic development director. Matt Mahood starts the position July 26.

He is an accomplished and experienced business executive with more than 30 years of senior management experience, said Edith Ramirez, assistant city manager for development services.

He recently served as the president and CEO of two of the largest chambers of commerce in Northern California, the Silicon Valley Organization and the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Before his 18-year career as a chamber executive, Mahood served in various senior management roles in the private sector.

During his tenure at the Silicon Valley Organization, Mahood worked collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries on key policy and advocacy issues that support business retention and expansion. He also chaired the Silicon Valley Chamber Coalition to address key issues that affected business success and regional quality of life.

Mahood has been a leader in business advocacy, including collaborating with the public and private sector to lobby Washington, D.C. In 2010, Mahood was recognized by his peers in the Western Association of Chamber Executives as Executive of the Year. He is known in the industry as a relationship builder, collaborator, analytical thinker, innovator, and problem solver.

“The city’s long-term economic sustainability is paramount to the city’s goals and policies,” Ramirez said. “Matt’s background, experience, and connections will be instrumental in helping implement the city’s Economic Blueprint, support business retention, and expansion for the one million square feet of speculative development underway.”

Santa Clara County District 2 Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who has worked collaboratively with Mahood for nearly 10 years, said he will be a great addition to Morgan Hill city staff.

“His regional stature will allow him to play a critical role representing the city at the regional and state level on important issues such as transportation solutions and housing policy,” she said.

Mahood said he’s excited to join the city of Morgan Hill team.

“It’s a great city with so much positive momentum,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to work with the businesses and the residents alike to keep building a great community that attracts quality employers and builds upon an excellent quality of life.”

Mahood holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, East Bay’s School of Business and Economics in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Communication and Public Relations.  Matt lives in the Town of Los Gatos with his wife, Penny. They have three grown children ages 33, 29, and 20.

He’ll receive an annual salary of $185,000 from the city.