After more than two decades of dedicated public service in the City of Pleasanton, Assistant City Manager Pamela Ott has announced her retirement effective June 21, 2025. City Manager Gerry Beaudin has appointed Deputy City Manager Alexa Jeffress to assume the role of Assistant City Manager effective July 1, 2025.
Pamela Ott began her career with the City in 2003, following two years of service to the Pleasanton Downtown Association as Executive Director. Starting as the City’s Economic Development Manager, Ott played a pivotal role in shaping Pleasanton’s thriving business community. She later served as Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement before being promoted to Deputy City Manager in 2020, and has served as Assistant City Manager since 2021.
Throughout her tenure, Ott has overseen critical city functions including public works, community development, business licensing, economic development, and the City’s public information and communications efforts. Under her guidance, the City successfully advanced major economic development projects such as the Workday headquarters campus, the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone, and the expansion of 10x Genomics, as well as numerous business retention and support programs. Her steady leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to service have left a lasting impact on the organization and the Pleasanton community.
“Pamela has been a pillar of leadership in Pleasanton, helping advance complex initiatives while always keeping the community’s needs and interests at the forefront,” said Gerry Beaudin, Pleasanton City Manager. “Her thoughtful guidance and dedication to public service will be greatly missed.”
Succeeding Ott is Alexa Jeffress, who joined the City as Deputy City Manager in February 2023. Jeffress brings more than 20 years of experience in government administration, project management, and economic and community development. Prior to coming to Pleasanton, she served as Director of the Economic and Workforce Development Department for the City of Oakland and held leadership positions with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and BRIDGE Housing in San Francisco.
Since joining Pleasanton, Jeffress has overseen and supported key City functions, including library and recreation, information technology, the city clerk’s office, emergency preparedness, and waste and recycling. She has been instrumental in advancing major citywide initiatives, including developing the first citywide 5-year strategic plan, ONE Pleasanton, working with the Finance Department to design and implement community outreach for the City’s two-year budget, creating a centralized Emergency Management Division to enhance emergency preparedness, supporting the adoption of the 2023-2028 Economic Development Strategic Plan update, and working with the City Clerk’s office to launch the City’s first online City Council agenda management platform. Her expertise in managing complex programs and commitment to community-focused leadership position her well for success in her new role.
“We are fortunate to have Alexa step into this important role,” added Beaudin. “Her professional experience, expertise, and dedication make her an excellent fit to help guide the organization forward.”