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In an announcement on Thursday, Oct. 31, New Rochelle officials revealed that Wilfredo Melendez was unanimously selected as the new City Manager and will begin serving on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Melendez had previously been serving as Acting City Manager since April following the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Kathleen Gill.
The city's decision to appoint Melendez to the position follows a months-long search that produced nearly forty candidates from a dozen states. In the end, the city decided to look close to home for their next manager.
"During the past six months, while serving in the dual role of Acting City Manager and Public Works Commissioner, Wilfredo brought a unique blend of professional expertise, integrity, and humility—qualities that make him the ideal leader for this pivotal chapter in New Rochelle," said Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, who continued, "His dedication to addressing some of our City’s most urgent infrastructure needs, coupled with his deep commitment to collaboration, has united our Council and exceptional staff around a shared vision."
Following his selection, Melendez said he is "truly honored" to accept his new role.
"I've seen the strength, resilience, and potential of this City firsthand, and I’m committed to using my experience and passion for New Rochelle to build on our successes, tackle new challenges, and guide us toward an exciting future," Melendez said.
As Acting City Manager, Melendez oversaw the city's departments and presented the draft 2025 budget to the City Council earlier in October.
He also served as Commissioner of Public Works beginning in February 2023; spent sixteen years as Deputy Director of the Bureau of Water Supply-Water Treatment Operations South at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection; and also worked at a construction firm as a project manager, superintendent, and engineer on several multi-million dollar projects for the New York City Department of Design and Construction, NYNJ-Port Authority, and NYC Department of Sanitation, according to New Rochelle officials.
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