Sedell shuffles city staff

Mike Sedell, Simi Valley city manager, has announced appointments and organizational changes for the city of Simi Valley.

Jim Purtee was appointed to the position of director of the Administrative Services Department, replacing the former director, Steve Elam, who took a similar position with the city of Moreno Valley.

Purtee, 45, will oversee fiscal services, information services, support services, workers' compensation, budget, treasury and customer services for the city.

Prior to this position, Purtee spent seven years with the city manager's office, most recently as a deputy city manager focused on economic development. His experience also includes 11 years with the Department of Environmental Services and the Department of Community Services.

Frank Catania was promoted to the position of deputy city manager. His responsibilities include oversight of budget and fiscal-related matters, the City Council agenda and staff report preparation, and coordination process and support for economic development activities.

Catania, 60, has been with the city of Simi Valley for six years, most recently serving as the deputy director for citizen services within the Department of Community Services. He also previously served as the city's budget officer and has a total of 36 years of local government experience.

Laura Behjan, assistant city manager, whose previous responsibilities included government affairs and human resources, has been assigned to provide additional oversight of the daily operations of the city in support of the city manager. She has served the city in various capacities for 18 years.

Dan Paranick, whose previous responsibilities included budget and fiscal matters, has been appointed assistant city manager and assigned the responsibilities of government affairs and human resources. Paranick has spent six years with the city.

Brian Gabler, assistant city manager and director of economic development, will continue in his role and focus on overseeing economic development and business-related activities for the city. He has been with the city for 20 years.