Matthew Grundy, the former nonprofit executive named by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer to serve as a senior staffer with the title of Deputy Mayor, is heading for the exits, the city announced Wednesday.
Grundy previously served as the CEO for Habitat for Humanity of Central California. His final day in the post will be Aug. 1.
The big picture: Grundy was tasked with leading Dyer’s strategic initiatives and is the last of the Mayor’s top level senior staff to remain from first day in office, following turnover at City Manager and Chief of Staff.
- The Deputy Mayor has been an infrequently-utilized appointed title. First used by former Mayor Alan Autry, Dyer revived the Deputy Mayor position when he entered office after it was eliminated by former Mayor Ashley Swearengin in 2009.
- Grundy’s next move nor a successor for the Deputy Mayor post were announced on Wednesday
What they’re saying: ““I stand here at a moment where I’ve heard God yet again. This time He is guiding me to depart from my role as Deputy Mayor,” said Grundy in a statement. “I find this guidance a bit curious. I love the people of Fresno. I love our Mayor, our team and my job. Nevertheless, I’ve never believed that understanding the “why” is a prerequisite to obedience. While I am not certain what awaits me, I am certain of one thing –God loves Fresno. And it is for this reason, as I announce my departure, I leave with my heart full still shouting from the mountaintops ONE FRESNO!”
- “Deputy Mayor Grundy has been a Godsend to my Administration,” Dyer said in a statement. “His passion and talents are the very reason why the Camp Fresno, One Fresno Housing Strategy, and Youth Jobs Corp initiatives, as well as the Office of Community Affairs, have been so successful. Matthew has served me and this community with integrity and honor.
