By Jorge Casuso

September 12, 2025 -- Santa Monica's longtime planning manager Jing Yeo will head the City's Community Development Department after the quiet departure of its former director less than seven months after being hired.

Yeo briefly held the post on an interim basis in January while the City concluded a four-month nationwide search that led to the hiring of South Pasadena City Manager Arminé Chaparyan to permanently fill the post.

The changing of the guard comes a little over one month after City Manager Oliver Chi became Santa Monica's top administrator on July 24 and follows the resignation of Police Chief Ramon Batista.

“More than her technical expertise and deep familiarity with Santa Monica, to me, what stands out most about Jing is her humble, people-centered approach to leadership," Chi said in a statement Thursday.

"She understands that the best results are achieved when an organization prioritizes team-oriented behaviors and systems, and her approach reflects the culture we are working to build across the city -- one grounded in humility, integrity, motivation, and care.

"I am confident that under Jing’s leadership, the Community Development Department will not only achieve great outcomes for the community, but will also strengthen the foundation of our city organization,” Chi said.

Yeo has been a planner with the city since 2006, and served as planning manager since 2016. She briefly served as the Department's interim director after David Martin left the post at the end of last year.

“I love this city and have seen it go through many different eras. I’m excited for what’s next and could not be more thrilled to step into this leadership role at this time,” Yeo said.

“I’m confident that with the support of the city leadership, council and the tremendous community development team, we’ll achieve much success in our goals of economic opportunity and growth.”

Before working for Santa Monica, Yeo served as a principal planner for the city of Palm Springs.

She holds a bachelor's degree in urban and economic geography from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in planning and urban design from the University of Toronto.

Yeo will assume the director position effective immediately with a salary of $264,912.