In a strategic move aimed to bolster city leadership, El Segundo officially announced the appointment of George Avery as the city's new fire chief and Paul Chung as the chief financial officer. According to a press release from the City of El Segundo, the duo was introduced by City Manager Darrell George during the City Council meeting on January 16th.
Avery, a South Bay native with nearly three decades of fire service experience, was brought in to steer the El Segundo Fire Department. Before this new role, Avery commanded as fire chief for the city of Brea and further bolstered his expertise with a 26-year tenure at San Bernardino City Fire Department. "I am honored to serve the City of El Segundo and to lead a team that already serves the community with the highest level of professionalism," Avery told the City of El Segundo. His leadership is expected to continuously seek to ensure community safety as he delves into professional mentorship and engagement.
On the financial front, Paul Chung is set to manage the city’s coffers, bringing with him two decades' worth of public finance experience. Chung, who launched his public sector journey as a lifeguard, has displayed his acumen in both public and private sectors. He recently elevated the city of San Marino by securing its first "Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting" and maintaining a streak of clean audits for five consecutive years. Chung shared his philosophy with the City of El Segundo, "who we are today are the reflections of choices and actions taken yesterday, so live your daily life to the fullest."
City Manager Darrell George commended both appointments, noting Avery’s array of fire safety experience and Chung’s capacity to communicate complex financial data. "Having just achieved a AAA credit rating, maintaining strong fiscal health and stability is of utmost importance to El Segundo," said Darrell George, highlighting the significance of Chung’s role in preserving the economic fortitude of the city. El Segundo's leadership transition was further smoothed over by the dedication of Interim Fire Chief Robert Espinosa and Interim Chief Financial Officer David Cain, whom George gratefully acknowledged.
The newly minted chiefs Avery and Chung assumed their respective roles starting January 16, 2024, setting the stage for a new chapter in El Segundo’s governance and service to the community.
