South San Francisco, CA March 9, 2016 Submitted by Leslie Arroyo, City of South San Francisco 
Marian Lee, SSF Assistant City Manager & Chief Sustainability Officer
Marian Lee has been named the new South San Francisco Assistant City Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer, replacing Jim Steele who recently retired after 30 years of public service. Lee was previously with the San Mateo County Transit District, where she served as the Chief Officer, Caltrain Planning and Modernization. With 15 years of experience managing people, projects and budgets, Lee will serve as the lead executive coordinating South San Francisco’s many upcoming transportation and development projects, as well as leading sustainability initiatives in the City.
“Marian is a terrific addition to our team, bringing deep experience managing large public projects,” says Mike Futrell, City Manager, “she comes at just the right time given the upcoming construction of our new Caltrain station, new housing projects and possibly a new police operations center, fire station, library and recreation center in South San Francisco.” Lee’s responsibilities include coordinating the numerous construction projects planned in downtown South San Francisco and in the Oyster Point area East of Highway 101. As the City’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Lee will energize and lead South San Francisco’s efforts to reduce electricity and water usage, limit greenhouse gases, and prepare for climate change and sea level rise.
Lee holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from New York University as well as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Design of the Environment from the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she held positions with the San Mateo County Transit District, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, and San Francisco County Transportation Authority. As the Chief Officer for the Caltrain Modernization Program, Lee led efforts to modernize commuter and high-speed rail services across 17 cities and three counties, successfully managing a $1.5 billion budget for what has been described as “the most complex and transformative project in the 150-year history” of Caltrain.
“I am excited to join the talented team in South San Francisco”, said Lee, “the City has a great history and a lot to offer residents, businesses and visitors. My work managing the coming construction projects and growth around the city will help ensure South San Francisco remains a great place to live, work, learn and play.”