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The council members unanimously approved the employment contract of the woman who will direct the town staff.
Like Keimach, who came to Moraga in November of 2010 from Fremont where she was the community development director, Battenberg comes from the city of San Leandro where she served in different positions for 16 years, her last title being community development director. Her department included planning services, economic development, housing services, and code enforcement. She was previously the business development manager for that city, as well as deputy finance director for San Leandro.
A graduate from UC Berkeley with an MBA from UCLA, she also worked for the private sector in marketing and management before transitioning to the public sector.
Vice Mayor Teresa Onoda noted that Battenberg had been interested in the Moraga position for a while, as soon as she heard of Keimach's departure two years ago, and that she has attended numerous council meetings since.
During the Feb. 15 council meeting, Battenburg expressed her eagerness to start working for Moraga, a town she considers full of charm and opportunities, while not ignoring the challenges.
The employment agreement includes a salary slightly below the $200,000 threshold, less than previous town manager Bob Priebe's compensation. The town attorney also noted that Battenberg declined the medical coverage proposed by the town, which will also reduce the impact on the town's budget.
Battenberg promised the city of San Leandro that she would finish some work there before she comes to Moraga; she will start her employment with the town on March 12.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA