Peter Zanoni, a deputy city manager in San Antonio, was hired by the city of Corpus Christi as the next city manager. He is expected to begin work on May 20. Courtesy photo
San Antonio Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni was chosen as the new Corpus Christi city manager at the City Council meeting Tuesday, April 23. He was one of four finalists, including interim city manager Keith Selman. He is set to begin work on May 20.
In choosing a new city manager, the city also decided to increase the position’s salary. Former City Manager Margie Rose, who quit last May, was paid $220,000. Zanoni was hired at $300,000 with a 5 percent raise on his first anniversary. He was also granted a $7,200 vehicle allowance, an $840 cellphone allowance, and $19,000 a year in retirement. Moving and relocation expenses are set at $16,000.
The increase in pay reflects Zanoni’s experience, Mayor Joe McComb said. He also credited the hard work of city staffers and public involvement in what he called a “grand slam” hiring process.
“The public played a big role in this selection,” he said. “Public input is what helped us decide to move in this direction. I think they can feel confident they were listed to.”
After the vote, City Council member Greg Smith of District 4 noted that the decision was “extremely tough.”
“We had four excellent people who see what we have here and what we have coming,” he said. “To see these people from around the country who said, ‘We want to come and work in Corpus Christi; you have unlimited opportunities’ … We see what the nation thinks of our little city and our opportunities.”
Zanoni promised during the public portion of the interview to bring a “big city mentality” to the job if hired.
“Corpus Christi is a great city with great potential,” he said of the Coastal Bend community. “Don’t let anyone tell you Corpus Christi is a small city. We are a large city, and we need to think big.”
Zanoni has 22 years’ experience working for the city of San Antonio. His longevity and upward mobility with the city helped push him past the other candidates for the position, McComb said. During the public interview, Zanoni noted his long-term experience as part of a nationally recognized management team with a list of accomplishments.
“I was part of a team that brought a low-performing city into a high-performing one,” he said. “I would love to do that here in Corpus Christi as well.”
He said he would set clear expectations for staff with the aim to complete “project after project on time and under budget to benefit the citizens.”
He pointed to his success in implementing infrastructure improvements and bond execution in San Antonio as a skill important to Corpus Christi.
“It’s one thing to pass a bond issue, but you have to execute it,” he said.
None of the bond projects of which he was in charge in San Antonio missed a deadline or went over budget, he added.
“Over the past three bond cycles, San Antonio has spent three billion dollars on bond projects,” he continued. “This is not about the price tag; it’s about the execution.”
Zanoni and his family are familiar with the Coastal Bend. They own property in Sinton, which they visit often. He said he will use the Sinton property as a temporary home until the family can settle in Corpus Christi.
“As your next city manager, I’ll serve you and the community,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working hard in Corpus Christi and being part of the community.”
