City Manager's Office

As Alexandria's chief administrative officer, the City Manager is responsible for overseeing a budget of over $1 billion and a workforce of more than 2,500 employees.
Page updated on December 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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The Alexandria City Manager is appointed by the City Council to be the chief executive officer of the City. The City Manager carries out the policy directives of the City Council and manages the daily operations of City government. The City Manager oversees the preparation of the annual operating budget, and 10-year Capital Improvement Program and periodic financial and administrative reports as may be required for submission to the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for proposing a detailed annual City Government operating budget amount to Council, which includes an Alexandria Public Schools operating transfer.

The City Manager appoints all heads of departments and employees of the City, except those in elected, judicial, Alexandria City Public Schools, Alexandria Health Department, Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Alex Renew, DASH, and Libraries positions, City Attorney’s Office, and the Office of City Clerk/Clerk of Council. The City Manager’s Office includes four Deputy City Managers, who oversee City departments on a day-to-day basis as well as serve as liaisons to other departments and agencies that do not report to the City Manager. The City Manager’s Office also includes the City’s Race and Social Equity Office, the Climate Action Office, and labor relations, public/private partnerships, and legislative functions for the City.

Formal City Photo of City Manager James Parajon

City Manager James F. Parajon

On December 1, 2021, the Alexandria City Council appointed James F. Parajon as Alexandria’s City Manager, effective January 18, 2022. Parajon succeeds to Mark B. Jinks, who retired in January 2022. Parajon brings nearly three decades of experience as a professional planner with an extensive technical and management background.
Formal City Photo of Deputy City Manager Emily Baker

Deputy City Manager Emily A. Baker

Emily A. Baker is the Deputy City Manager responsible for overseeing and facilitating the City's land use planning, zoning, historic preservation, transportation, environmental protection, code administration, affordable housing, and museum functions.
Headshot of Deputy City Manager Jane Christenson

Deputy City Manager Jane Christenson

Jane Christenson brings more than two decades of executive leadership in local government. Her career has focused on managing complex municipal operations across urban and suburban communities, with a strong emphasis on neighborhood public safety, responsible economic growth, and delivering high-quality services that enhance community well-being.
Formal City Photo of Deputy City Manager Yon Lambert 2023

Deputy City Manager Yon Lambert

Mr. Lambert joined the City in 2006. Since 2014, Yon has been the Director of the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES), overseeing 255 staff and an annual operating budget of $94 million.  Mr. Lambert will be responsible for public safety agencies, Emergency and Customer Communications, Code Administration, and General Services. 
Deputy City Manager Alethea Predeoux

Deputy City Manager Alethea Predeoux

Alethea Predeoux is an advocate and public servant who has dedicated her career to constituent and community services. Her professional and social advocacy has centered on improving the health, safety and general well-being of people.
Formal City photo of Sermaine McLean 2023

Chief of Staff Sermaine "Coco" McLean

In 2022, Sermaine “Coco” McLean was promoted to Chief of Staff by City Manager Parajon. McLean served as the Assistant to the City Manager since April 2015 actively supporting and upholding the City’s stated mission, vision, and values. McLean is responsible for the oversight of the Office of the City Manager leading a team of professionals.