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Cristina Rivera serves as Chief of Staff to the Third District Supervisor at Placer County. With a career spanning political consulting, local and state government, regulatory agencies and the private sector, she brings extensive experience in public policy and government operations. She is driven by the conviction that effective public service is centered on transparency, accessibility and a commitment to helping communities thrive. A Career Shaped by Public Service Rivera began her career in the private sector, spending nearly a decade in political consulting, where she managed campaigns and worked closely with local and state elected officials, donors and community stakeholders. That experience exposed her to the realities of politics early in her career and the importance of relationships across different levels of government. After starting a family, Rivera sought a role that offered greater stability and allowed her to pursue her longstanding interest in government. Having studied Political Science at UC Davis, public service had always appealed to her. The opportunity arrived when she joined Placer County as District Director, serving as the sole staff member to the first district supervisor for five and a half years. Rivera immersed herself in county government, building relationships with department heads, stakeholders, elected officials and employees across the organization. Her position concluded when the supervisor lost reelection, but the relationships she established proved invaluable. During the six years she was away from Placer County, Rivera broadened her experience across several state agencies. She briefly served as a Legislative Aide to a State Senator before joining the California Public Utilities Commission as a Program Analyst. She was entrusted with responsibilities beyond her classification, gaining experience in energy, water and other policy issues. While she learned a great deal, she realized the role was not aligned with her long
Top 10 City Administrators 2026
Shawn M. Bell is the City Administrator of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, a role he has held since October 2017. With over a decade of experience in municipal governance, he previously served as City Administrator in Lake City, SC, and as Assistant City Manager in Abbeville, SC. Shawn holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Master of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville. Outside his professional role, he is active in state and national city management associations. A Calling to Serve the Public Good I grew up in the St. Louis area and earned my degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri. During my senior year, I interned with a state representative at the Missouri Capitol, which reshaped my understanding of leadership and public service. I realized I did not just want to study policy, but to help make it work in real life.
In an interview with Govt Business Review, Natalie Zeigler, City Administrator of the City of Goose Creek, discusses the challenges and emerging trends shaping municipal governance today and shares her insights on leading a fast-growing community with intention, innovation, and collaboration. A seasoned local government professional, Zeigler’s career has spanned small towns and full-service cities, giving her a deep understanding of how municipal systems function at every scale. Her leadership is grounded in community building, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to improving daily life for residents. From modernizing city operations to guiding sustainable development, she brings a steady, pragmatic approach that prioritizes teamwork, long-term vision, and the belief that meaningful progress comes from empowering both staff and community.
Alan Christianson is a municipal government leader with experience in strategic planning, economic development and community engagement. At the City of Ladysmith, he focuses on infrastructure investment, partnership-driven growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The Path to Public Service Both family and community shaped my path into public service. My father also served as a City Administrator, giving me an early understanding of public service. Growing up in Ladysmith, I saw volunteers dedicate their time to youth programs, community activities and local initiatives. That experience inspired me to give back to the community that shaped me. Before entering municipal leadership, I worked for a local nonprofit supporting affordable housing, homeownership and small business development. Those experiences reinforced the role of local businesses in creating opportunities.
Stephen Ramos oversees municipal operations and works with city leadership to support infrastructure improvements, operational efficiency, and long-term community growth. A Woodville native, he focuses on strengthening services and positioning the city for future opportunities. Experience that Informs Leadership My professional background spans over 25 years in construction and project management where success depends on strategic planning, communication and accountability. Working closely with municipalities, utility providers, and regulatory agencies deepened my appreciation for how local governments impact everyday life. When I entered municipal leadership, I brought decades of experience managing complex projects, infrastructure initiatives, and fiscal management. The same principles translate directly into effective city administration.
Dustin Burchett is the administrator of the city of Raceland, Kentucky. As an administrator, he oversees all activities in the city. These include both community development and infrastructure development. He emphasizes the importance of communication, accountability and partnership. Starting Without a Playbook I was honored to serve as Raceland’s first City Administrator, giving me the opportunity to establish the role while helping shape the city’s future. From the outset, I had the chance to build the role around Raceland’s needs. In a small municipality, that means carrying a broad range of responsibilities.
CXO INSIGHTS
The Power of Community Collaboration
Ronda Trow, Director of Public Affairs for Commissioner Ritch Wheeler, Precinct 3, Montgomery County, Texas
Leading High-Performing Municipal Teams in Building and Code Enforcement
Jose Ibarra Geniz, Building and Safety Manager, City of Buena Park
Adaptive Leadership in the Fire Service: From Reactive Response to Proactive Prevention
Carly Shears, Community Risk Reduction Division Manager, City of Meridian
The Role of Digital Communication in Keeping Communities Informed and Connected
Kristen Kennedy, Public Affairs Manager, City of Panama City, FL
Leading Tinley Park with Purpose and Perspective
Pat Carr, Village Manager, Village of Tinley Park
IN FOCUS
Government Consulting Driving Modern Public Sector Transformation
Government consulting helps public institutions modernize operations, strengthen governance, improve policy outcomes, and deliver efficient, data-driven services.
Traffic Court Representation Evolving through Digital Legal Practices
Traffic court system representation services support legal guidance, efficient case handling and documentation assistance.
EDITORIAL
Leaderships that Move Communities Forward
Effective public governance lies at the intersection of public priorities and practical results. This edition of Govt. Business Review sheds light on leaders who are building communities while maintaining trust, accountability and community connection.
At the center is Cristina Rivera, Chief of Staff, Placer County, honored as Chief of Staff of the Year 2026. The leadership style that Rivera has developed based on her experiences from local and state government, regulation agencies and the private sector is built on relationships, transparency and service. In her role as Chief of Staff at Placer County, she leveraged her relationships and experience to improve communications and move initiatives ahead. Her emphasis on communication and achieving results behind the scenes reflects a leadership philosophy centered on impact rather than recognition.
The edition also recognizes Shawn M. Bell from City of Fountain Inn, Natalie Zeigler from City of Goose Creek, Dustin Burchett from City of Raceland, Alan Christianson from City of Ladysmith and Stephen Ramos from City of Woodville as Top City Administrators 2026. Bell’s record highlights professional development, civic education, employee engagement, economic relationships and downtown revitalization in addition to addressing challenges facing modern municipalities. Zeigler has guided Goose Creek through significant growth by focusing on community planning, public spaces, economic development and technology-driven improvements to city services. Burchett, Raceland’s first City Administrator, has focused on infrastructure, public safety, workforce development and strategic planning, including more than USD 600,000 in water-system grant funding. Christianson’s work has centered on strategic planning, community engagement, infrastructure investment and partnerships that enhance residents’ quality of life. Ramos has emphasized operational efficiency, infrastructure improvements and long-term growth by strengthening services and building on the city’s existing foundation.
Together, these leaders demonstrate how disciplined administration and strong relationships can shape more responsive communities. Explore the profiles to examine the ideas, experiences and practices influencing the future of local government.
