LB City Manager Out; Police Commissioner Takes Over On Interim Basis

LONG BEACH, NY — The City of Long Beach and City Manager Donna Gayden have parted ways. The announcement came as an addition to the agenda of Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

Despite her term running until the end of 2023, it was "mutually agreed to end her employment," officials said.

The council members named Police Commissioner Ronald Walsh as acting city manager to complete Gayden's term.

"The work is never done, but I truly believe that I have achieved everything I was brought here to do," Gayden said in a statement.

A resident complained at the meeting, "So, he's going to learn on the job for a year? It's just a little silly, doesn't it?"

Gayden's salary is $203,000 per year as city manager, according to Newsday.

Councilmember John Bendo, before voting in favor of her being released from the contract, said: "I'm the one who found Donna and convinced her to come here. I think that was probably one of the best decisions I ever made as a council person."

Gayden came to Long Beach as interim city manager in February 2020 after working in Illinois.

"Donna arrived in Long Beach at one of our lowest moments, which also happened to be the start of the pandemic and all of the uncertainties it brought," said City Council President Karen McInnis.

During her tenure, the city said, Gayden developed an operating budget that did not rely upon borrowing, while carrying a surplus that is indicative of dramatically improved financial health.

Although expected to be a short-term position, Gayden received two contract extensions.

Gayden, who hails from Georgia, was charged with Long Beach's finances after years of structural deficits, mismanagement and scandals.

She spent 25 years in financial and operational management, the last 10 of which have been spent as a "turn-around specialist," her bio on the Long Beach's webpage said.