Honors Convocation Speaker
Patrick H. West
When Patrick West was earning his M.B.A. (Class of ’86) at California State University, Dominguez Hills, he was deeply impressed with the campus and the features that made it an environment conducive to learning.
"I tell everybody that I talk to that Dominguez Hills is the best," he enthuses. "I found it to be both super-friendly and user-friendly. The library was always accessible and there were beautiful places to go lie on the grass and study."
As a student at Dominguez Hills, West appreciated the communal atmosphere of the campus and the accessibility of its many resources. Equally concerned about his home environment, the former city manager of Paramount went into action when he learned that his city was named the eighth worst suburb in America in the early 1980s, working collaboratively with that community’s agencies and developing an infrastructure in the city to prevent and fight crime.
Appointed as the city manager of Long Beach in 2007, he has brought that same commitment to the sprawling metropolis. His vision is to create a safe and vibrant community for the almost 500,000 people who live and work in Long Beach, stating that the city’s success in improving its streets depends on a partnership with its citizens. To improve public safety, West is also creating partnerships among the city’s many agencies and departments, and streamlining operations and services.
West began his career in public service in 1980 with the City of Paramount, serving as its Director of Parks and Recreation. In 1988, Mr. West became Paramount's Community Development Director and Assistant Director of the Redevelopment Agency. Six years later, he was appointed City Manager and Executive Director of the City's redevelopment agency, a position he held for 11 years before moving to Long Beach. In August 2005, Pat was appointed the Director of Community Development and Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency in Long Beach. In September 2007, he was appointed City Manager of Long Beach.
West has a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the University of California, Irvine, his master’s degree in recreation administration from California State University, Los Angeles, and an MBA from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
West has been married to his wife, Madelyn for 32 years. They have a daughter, Stacy and a son David.
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