Riverside, California – Riverside City Manager Brad Hudson today announced the appointment of Emilio Ramirez as Development Director. Mr. Ramirez is presently Assistant Director of the Riverside County Economic Development Agency (EDA) and has over 12 years of local government experience. As Development Director, Mr. Ramirez will lead the City’s redevelopment; economic development & marketing; housing & neighborhoods; arts & culture; real property services; and capital projects programs.

“I am excited to have a candidate of Emilio’s caliber join our team”, said City Manager Brad Hudson. Mr. Ramirez, a Riverside resident, will start his new position on June 20, 2011.

During his tenure with Riverside County, Mr. Ramirez led the County’s affordable housing programs and more recently directed redevelopment and real property services for EDA. Prior to joining the County, Mr. Ramirez worked in economic development providing financing for small businesses. Mr. Ramirez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from the University of California, Riverside; a Master of Science in Economics from Cal Poly Pomona; and a Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School, and is an active member of the State Bar of California.

The previous Development Director, Deanna Lorson, was promoted to Assistant City Manager in April, 2011. Tina English served as Interim Development Director and will return to her position as Assistant Development Director.