Former City Administrator

Chip Rerig is an experienced municipal executive, governance advisor, facilitator, and executive coach with more than three decades of local government leadership. Throughout his career—including ten years as City Administrator for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and leadership roles in city management, public works, and community development—Chip has helped local governments strengthen governance, navigate complex policy issues, and build high-performing organizations.

Chip specializes in governance, strategic planning, facilitation, organizational development, and leadership coaching. He works with elected officials and executive teams to clarify roles, strengthen council-manager relationships, facilitate strategic conversations, and guide organizations through periods of transition and change. His practical experience leading cities allows him to connect local government best practices with the operational realities leaders face every day.

Known for his calm, collaborative facilitation style, Chip creates environments where diverse viewpoints are heard, productive dialogues flourish, and lasting solutions emerge. He has facilitated strategic planning sessions, organizational assessments, executive recruitment processes, leadership transitions, and community engagement efforts for agencies facing both routine and complex challenges.

Chip is especially passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and helping experienced executives navigate the political, organizational, and interpersonal complexities of public service. His coaching philosophy emphasizes integrity, thoughtful leadership, relationship building, and practical decision-making grounded in the realities of municipal government.

He holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is an ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM), and is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Through Vitale Civic Partners, Chip continues to help local governments strengthen leadership capacity, improve governance practices, facilitate meaningful dialogue, and build resilient organizations that are prepared to meet the evolving needs of their communities.