Zapata

Chris Zapata is the City Manager of National City, a California coastal community of 63,000 bordered by downtown San Diego.  The City Council unanimously appointed him in February 2004 to transform an organization of 400 employees.  Over a 25-year period he served the Arizona communities of Glendale, Superior, Eloy, Phoenix, Goodyear and Flagstaff.  During the 1990s he served as City Manager of Eloy and Superior and prior to National City was a Deputy City Manager for Glendale, Arizona.

Chris has worked in urban, rural and suburban cities ranging in population from 3,500 to over 1 million.  His local government experiences in a variety of organizations, departments and positions have provided an extensive network of peers.  A trailblazer in economically and culturally diverse communities, he has a sincere passion for public service.  Over 20 years of executive level experience managing complex projects and achieving results are part of his service record.

Making a difference beyond city government is also a hallmark of his career.  Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Chris as Chairman of the Arizona Appellate Court Nominating Committee in 2003.  Valle del Sol honored his efforts with its prestigious Exemplary Leadership Award, making him the first City Manager in Arizona to be so honored.  From Little League to Rotary to the Kiwanis and Lion’s club he has consistently been a part of the community in which he serves.

Chris is a member of the International Hispanic Network, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), National Forum for Black Public Administrators and California City Managers Association. Past memberships include:  Executive Board Member for the Arizona City County Manager’s Association, Government Finance Officers Association, American Water Works Association, Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, Arizona Municipal Management Assistant’s Association and the Grand Canyon Minority Suppliers Development Council Executive Board.