The Clovis City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of John Holt as the next City Manager. Mr. Holt has more than 21 years of experience working for the city and currently serves as the Assistant City Manager. Prior roles with the City of Clovis include City Clerk and Management Analyst. Before joining the City of Clovis, John served as the Financial Services Manager for the City of Visalia for five years. Mr. Holt is also a retired Navy Captain having served five years on active duty and 25 in the reserves, including around the world assignments, as well as a one year tour as a commanding officer in Baghdad, Iraq in 2008 – 2009. John has lived in the City of Clovis for 30 years.

“To be honest, I feel like I just won the lottery. I am being entrusted to be the City Manager for what I would argue is the best city in California. The City of Clovis is a destination of choice for people wanting a great city to live in and a great place for their kids to go to school. At a recent joint meeting with the Clovis Unified Board, one of our council members remarked that Clovis Unified is the reason many move to Clovis, the City of Clovis is the reason they stay. We have approximately 600 full time employees who professionally and proudly serve our 120,000 residents. The City of Clovis is an employer of choice and we have the most talented and dedicated workforce serving our constituents. I believe the single biggest reason the city is so successful is because of our long tenured City Council who provide the vision the City Manager is charged with implementing.” said Mr. Holt.

The City of Clovis is a Council-Manager form of government, which means the City Manager is hired by the City Council, and is responsible for implementing the Council’s policy decisions, as well as administering day to day city operations.

Mayor Jose Flores said, “The position of City Manager is crucial to the success of the City of Clovis and the entire City Council has full confidence in John’s abilities. Throughout his career with the City of Clovis, John has proven to be a strong leader who wants the best for this city and for the employees who make it great.”

Mr. Holt will replace Luke Serpa who currently serves as City Manager and will retire in December after 17 years of service to the city. Serpa has served as City Manager since 2017. Prior to his role as City Manager, Serpa served as Public Utilities Director for the City of Clovis.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Clovis’ City Manager for the last 5 years, and I know I will be leaving the city in good hands. John has been invaluable as the city’s Assistant City Manager, and will be a great City Manager.” said Luke Serpa.

This appointment will become effective January 1, 2022.