News Summary
Huntington Beach welcomes a new assistant city manager, Marissa Sur, who is set to enhance local governance with her extensive experience in human resources. Promoted from H.R. director, Sur aims to deliver exceptional public service and support city management. Alongside her, Jennifer Carey has been appointed Deputy City Manager, continuing a strong leadership presence for the community. Together, they are committed to addressing current needs and paving the way for a brighter future.
Exciting Changes in Huntington Beach Leadership
Huntington Beach has a fresh face in its city management! Marissa Sur has just been promoted to assistant city manager, and she brings with her a wealth of experience and a vibrant enthusiasm for her new role. Having served as the city’s H.R. director since April 2024, Sur is more than equipped to take on this new challenge.
A Rich Background in H.R.
Sur’s journey in human resources has been anything but ordinary. Her foundational experience is steeped in risk management, a specialty that undoubtedly comes in handy when dealing with diverse city functions. During her time in Huntington Beach, she has had the unique opportunity to collaborate with every department, giving her insight into their operations and a broader understanding of city needs.
Bringing Passion to Public Service
At just 37 years old, Sur is bubbling with excitement about this new chapter in her career. She sees great purpose in her work within the public sector, genuinely aiming to deliver top-notch customer service to the citizens of Huntington Beach. Her dedication is evident, and her passion fuels her ambitions to make a positive impact.
A Solid Track Record
Before stepping into her role in Huntington Beach, Sur devoted eight years to the city of Newport Beach, where she worked her way up to the position of H.R. manager in 2023. This extensive experience arms her with the skills needed to tackle the complexities of a city government even further. Sur holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach, adding a unique dimension to her qualifications.
The Team Behind the Promotion
In her new position, Sur will be working under the guidance of City Manager Travis Hopkins. Hopkins has been a familiar face in city leadership since he was promoted from assistant city manager to city manager in March 2025. His tenure brings stability to the leadership team, which is essential for navigating the challenges ahead. He sees Sur as a thoughtful and effective leader, highlighting her collaborative approach and extensive municipal experience.
Facing New Challenges
Although every promotion comes with its own set of challenges, Sur understands the learning curve that lies ahead. With an eagerness to dive right into the work, she is determined to hit the ground running. Sur has also made it clear that supporting the City Council and city manager will be one of her primary goals. This commitment will also extend to working with various departments to enhance the city as a whole.
Another Key Appointment
As part of the exciting evolution in city management, Jennifer Carey has also been appointed as Deputy City Manager for Huntington Beach. Having jumped into the role of Acting Deputy City Manager about six months ago, Carey brings expertise and continuity that will complement Sur’s leadership.
A Bright Future Ahead
With both Marissa Sur and Jennifer Carey stepping into their new roles, Huntington Beach is poised for exciting developments and improvements in local governance. Their leadership styles and dedicated public service aim to not only address current needs but also look forward to a brighter future for the community. There’s plenty to look forward to as these talented leaders take the helm of the city they serve!
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Promotes Marissa Sur
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- Public CEO: Huntington Beach Names Jennifer Carey
- Google Search: Huntington Beach city management
- OC Register: Huntington Beach Appoints New City Manager
- Google Scholar: Huntington Beach city leadership
- Public CEO: Trackdown Management’s Picking Up The Pieces
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
- OC Register: Sean Crumby Named Interim City Manager of Irvine
- Google News: Huntington Beach city news
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
