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Woodside appointed a new interim town manager at its June 23 Town Council meeting, four months after former Town Manager Jason Ledbetter was placed on paid leave following the release of his 14-page whistleblower report. Pamela Antil will take over July 1, when Melissa Cardinale returns to her role as assistant town manager.
Antil brings more than 30 years of experience in local government leadership, having served as city manager for Encinitas in San Diego County and most recently as interim assistant city manager for San Bruno. She’s also held executive leadership roles with the cities of Palo Alto, San Jose and Santa Barbara.
“Her extensive background managing complex local government operations will help ensure continuity of service and organizational stability while the council takes the time needed to identify the long-term leader for Woodside,” said Mayor Brian Dombkowski in a June 24 press release.
Antil will continue to serve as interim town manager for 12 months or until the appointment of a permanent town manager. Her salary has been approved at $335,000 plus benefits.
“Woodside is a unique and special community with a strong commitment to preserving its character and quality of life,” said Antil in a written statement. “I look forward to working with the Town Council, staff, residents, and community partners to maintain excellent municipal services and support the council as it evaluates the qualities and priorities it seeks in its next permanent town manager.”
The decision to hire Antil came at the request of Cardinale, who had been working as both acting and assistant town manager since the departure of Ledbetter in February.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve as acting town manager. It has been difficult completing work for two positions and so I have made the decision to return to my role as assistant town manager,” Cardinale said during the council meeting.
“We’re deeply appreciative of your willingness to step in during this transitional period. Your leadership has been outstanding, your collegiality has been wonderful, and I don’t know what we would have done without you the last four months,” Dombkowski added.
Councilmember Paul Goeld commended Cardinale for her strength and leadership during a period when the public believed the town was in chaos.
Antil is recognized for leading organizations through complex challenges in infrastructure investment, public safety initiatives, environmental sustainability, strategic planning and organizational improvement.
During the meeting, Goeld commented that Antil is “a star.”
“She’s actually exactly what we need at this particular moment in time. We need the help that she has … especially with things like the housing element,” Goeld added.
The Town Council has determined that the recruitment process for a permanent town manager could take several months.
