“My hope is to preserve the special place that Morgan Hill is, our small-town feel, while we continue to develop economically. It’s about finding that balance between the two. We have to find creative ways to address fiscal challenges so we can continue to provide quality services.”
As City Manager, Christina is focused on fulfilling the strategic priorities of the Morgan Hill City Council. She leads an organization of nearly 200 people to run the city’s operations efficiently and cost-effectively. Christina joined the City of Morgan Hill as Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services in 2016, and was appointed to succeed former City Manager Steve Rymer following his departure in 2017. She said he left big shoes to fill, but colleagues who know Christina’s work say her background has prepared her well for the task. Christina has played a central role in transitioning Morgan Hill to a two-year budget cycle, a move she said supports a long-term vision and better planning. Previously she served as Finance Director and Treasurer for the City of Gilroy. Before that she provided a variety of finance, 28 GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN accounting and investor relations services at CalPine and Arthur Andersen. For Christina, the work has been “an eye-opening experience” seeing how different companies operate, from hospitals, utilities, and high tech companies, to restaurants and even a Las Vegas casino. She has served on the board of the South County Regional Wastewater Authority, and in the fiscal officer’s department and on the Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee of the California League of Cities. Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Santa Clara University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Her husband Lou Zulaica is Executive Chef at Clos La Chance Winery and owner of Cellar Door Catering. They live in Morgan Hill with their teenage daughter and son. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 gmhtoday.com