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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2023                                                                                                                                                              

City of Hesperia to Welcome New City Manager: June 19

HESPERIA, Calif. — The City of Hesperia has announced that Assistant City Manager Rachel Molina will serve as the City's next City Manager, effective June 19, 2023. Molina, a longtime Hesperia resident with over 16 years of service to the City, was offered an employment contract, unanimously approved by the Hesperia City Council in October 2022, following City Manager Nils Bentsen's retirement announcement.

"We are very pleased to make this appointment from within our existing City leadership team that will allow for as seamless a transition as possible for the organization and the community," said Hesperia Mayor Brigit Bennington. "Rachel has served our community exceptionally for many years and is a proven leader in municipal government. For these reasons, she is well-positioned to lead our City into the future."

Molina enters her new position with an extensive service record to the City of Hesperia, having managed several aspects of municipal administration. She was first employed by the City in 2007 as a Senior Office Assistant in the City Manager’s Office. Since then, she has served in various positions, including Public Information Officer, Deputy City Manager, and Assistant City Manager. Throughout her tenure, Molina has led the City's community outreach and communication efforts, analyzed complex policies and programs, and presented recommendations to the City Council on various issues, including emergency management, legislative priorities, and capital improvement projects.

"The opportunity to be Hesperia's City Manager is an honor and I appreciate the support of our City Council to serve in this new capacity," said Molina. "Over the past 16 years, I have worked alongside an incredible team of dedicated public servants to provide exceptional services and programs to our residents and other community stakeholders. I look forward to continuing our important initiatives that improve our quality of life as Hesperia grows and prospers.”  

Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Chapman University and her master’s degree in public administration from California Baptist University.  

Molina will succeed Bentsen, who has served as Hesperia's City Manager since 2016. Bentsen's last day of service to the City of Hesperia will be June 18.

The City of Hesperia, located in the heart of Southern California's Mojave River Valley, is a thriving community known for its strong civic pride, superior quality service, and exceptional quality of life. As one of the fastest-growing cities in San Bernardino County, Hesperia offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, economic opportunity, and a welcoming community spirit. More information about the City of Hesperia is available at CityofHesperia.us.

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Kelly Brady, Public Relations Analyst

(760) 947-1020