OUR SEARCHES RESULT IN POSITIONS SUCCESSFULLY FILLED WITH EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED LEADERS WHOSE WORK EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS.
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Public Sector Executive Search
Outcome is Everything
The outcome is everything. Our searches result in positions successfully filled with exceptionally talented leaders whose work exceeds expectations. As a result, you can trust our record, not rhetoric. This success stems from our unique character- and cause-driven approach and our in-depth understanding of your organization’s culture, values, and goals. We recruit and present a qualified pool of diverse applicants whose prior work experience and success meets your agency’s expectations.
Citygate did not originally provide executive search services. However, over time our clients asked us to bring our culture and our excellence to their executive search efforts. Less than a decade ago, we decided to help. The result is an executive search service founded on hundreds of successful engagements and a far-reaching relational network.
We are not an "Executive Search Mill"
We are not an “executive search mill.” We know that no two executive searches are the same. That is why Steven Harman, our highly experienced Executive Search Practice Leader, will customize and perform all elements of this recruitment according to your unique needs. You will not work with less skilled, entry- or mid-level recruiters. Mr. Harman brings nearly 40 years of experience to your executive search.
Citygate uses our extensive, well-developed industry contacts to find the right candidates, not simply many candidates. Our candidate summaries clearly articulate the unique insight of a nationally recognized specialist in candidate assessment that has performed hundreds of executive searches over three decades. Click here to see an example of our candidate presentation packet.
Our clients repeatedly find that our candidate summaries are simply the best. It is one of the many reasons that our clients, like the Cities of Los Angeles, California, and Provo, Utah, repeatedly call on Citygate for their executive search needs.
Executive Search Process
The outcome is everything, and no two searches are the same. Citygate Associates always adjusts our approach based on the unique context of our clients. Our collaborative approach is based on our culture of character and our sincere commitment to improve government. This culture and commitment distinguishes Citygate Associates from any other firm.
Generally speaking, the following is an outline of our approach:
Step 1 – Developing the Candidate Profile
Collaboration and Needs Assessment
No one will invest more energy into learning your strategic goals, unique organizational culture, and objectives than Citygate. We first meet with the key stakeholders as requested. With a nuanced understanding of your goals and the position requirements, we collaborate with you to develop a comprehensive candidate profile that identifies the key qualities necessary for superior performance. Additionally, Citygate’s Practice Leader, Steve Harman, provides advice on the requirements for this position based on his experience, and he advises you regarding a competitive compensation package in light of geography, community size, and job requirements. Mr. Harman personally performs all of these critical tasks.
Step 2 – Recruitment Strategy and Search
Collaboration
Working in close consultation with the key stakeholders and/or community leaders, Citygate will develop a comprehensive recruitment strategy.
Value Proposition
Our recruitment strategy is based on a number of factors that attract a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates. However, one factor Citygate emphasizes is the “value proposition.” Each position has a unique value proposition that qualified applicants will find uniquely compelling. In today’s competitive job market, motivated leaders are looking for new challenges – opportunities to enhance their skills and to add to their record of achievement. Our recruitment strategy appeals to that individual using a value proposition that is prominently advertised.
Recruitment Brochure
Mr. Harman will work closely with the search team to develop an attractive recruitment brochure. The brochure includes a description of your organization, emphasizing its positive and desirable qualities; a description of the values and organizational culture that drives the agency; the ideal candidate profile; job qualifications and requirements; compensation and benefits; and details about the application process. The draft recruitment brochure will presented to the stakeholders for review, comment, and approval before publication.
Outreach
Citygate’s approach is designed to attract and recruit both active and passive candidates. We achieve this goal by using multiple methods of outreach. Our approach includes the following elements:
Developing a targeted applicant list based on our extensive contacts within local, regional, and national government agencies.
Soliciting referrals from our extensive personal fire services network.
Identifying and contacting potential applicants who are qualified but are not actively seeking employment.
Developing and strategically placing advertisements in appropriate journals, periodicals, and websites.
Using professional associations’ mailing lists and websites to reach the targeted audience.
Distributing the recruitment brochure widely.
Soliciting a diverse applicant pool.
Step 3 – Applicant Screening and Assessment
Prospect Identification
Steve Harman is a nationally recognized expert in applicant assessment. Every application received is acknowledged within 24 hours. Each applicant’s qualifications are personally evaluated by Mr. Harman. The most qualified applicants are scheduled for a screening interview.
Mr. Harman’s meetings with the selected candidates are comprehensive interviews designed to obtain critical information about their achievements, motivation, personality, organizational fit, and management and leadership style. In the event that it is not possible to conduct a face-to-face interview due to logistical challenges, a telephone or video interview is conducted.
We then conduct a preliminary reference check on those candidates determined to be the most qualified. We also conduct a review of public information, such as newspaper articles and public records. We are sensitive of the need for confidentiality and respect the wishes of applicants regarding contact with their current employer.
Step 4 – Candidate Referral and Client Interview
Presentation of Candidates and Candidate Evaluation
We provide you with a detailed written report that includes our recommended finalists, a narrative describing the results of our extensive applicant interviews, and a summary of the reference checks. We also include copies of the application materials we receive from the candidates and a complete description of our recruitment outreach efforts.
Mr. Harman will meet with the search team to review each recommended finalist.
Once you decides whom to consider further, we coordinate and schedule final applicant interviews, assist in developing an interview process (including job-related interview questions, rating forms, and other material as necessary), and keep the finalists informed of their status in the selection process.
Final Candidate Interviews
At your request, we design a final interview process. Mr. Harman is present for that process and plays either a facilitating or supporting role. We can prepare interview questions and rating forms for your use, if desired. We also notify all applicants, including the non-selected applicants, in a professional and dignified manner.
Step 5 – Appointment
Final Reference and Background Investigations of Candidates
Prior to the final appointment, Citygate Associates coordinates the final background check. This may include motor vehicle license check, verification of educational qualifications, employment history, and criminal conviction record check. Citygate utilizes the services of a third-party, licensed firm. We recommend this approach because of the restrictive legal requirements pertaining to the conduct of such investigations. This service is billed separately and is not included in our fees and expenses.
Notification
Once a final appointment has been made, we provide written notification to all the applicants who were not selected.
Citygate In the News
Steve Harman Performs Executive Search for New Los Angeles General Manager of Personnel
Citygate’s Steve Harman assists placement of Provo’s new Police Chief
U.S. Senator Chris Coons’ aide is Provo’s new police chief (Provo, UT)
Provo narrows search for new police chief to three (Provo, UT)
Strategies for managing long-term retiree benefit costs
Leadership for the next generation
Our Team

Project Experience
Title | Public Agency |
Fire Chief | Greenfield, CA |
Fire Chief | Ross Valley Fire District |
Fire Chief | North Monterey County Fire Protection District |
Interim Fire Chief | Presidio Trust, CA |
Facilities Services and Capital Projects Director | Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles |
Human Resources Director | Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles |
General Manager – Personnel | Los Angeles, CA |
Police Chief | Provo, UT |
Assistant General Manager – Information Technology Agency | Los Angeles, CA |
Deputy Planning Director | Los Angeles, CA |
Human Resources Manager | Contra Costa County, CA Sanitary District |
Police Chief | Provo, UT |
General Manager – Animal Services | Los Angeles, CA |
Fire Chief | Kelseyville Fire Protection District, Kelseyville, CA |
Assistant Community Development Director | Livermore, CA* |
Planning Manager | Livermore, CA* |
Public Works Supervisor | Livermore, CA* |
Public Works Manager | Livermore, CA* |
Police Captain | Livermore, CA* |
Water Resources Operations Supervisor | Livermore, CA* |
Safety and Risk Analyst | Livermore, CA* |
Senior Assistant City Attorney | Livermore, CA* |
Assistant Library Director | Livermore, CA* |
Public Works Maintenance Division Manager | Livermore, CA* |
Police Department Business Services Manager | Livermore, CA* |
Assistant City Engineer | Livermore, CA* |
Executive Director, Tri Valley Community Television | Livermore, CA* |
Deputy City Clerk | Livermore, CA* |
*Conducted while Steven Harman was Human Resources Director for the City of Livermore.