Rancho Cordova Hires Assistant City Manager and Chief Technology & Innovation Officer

David W. Kwong and Rita Gass to Join City Team in October 

Rancho Cordova, CA (September 22, 2023) – The City of Rancho Cordova welcomes two new members to its Leadership Team. David W. Kwong will serve as Assistant City Manager, and Rita Gass will join as Chief Technology & Innovation Officer. Mr. Kwong will oversee Community Development, while Ms. Gass will oversee Information Technology and Innovation.

Mr. Kwong, AICP, is a native of the Sacramento region who immigrated from Hong Kong when he was three years old. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Sacramento State in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate and Land Use Affairs. He has more than 33 years of environmental, planning and development experience from his work at the City of Sacramento and City of Stockton, as well as in both San Joaquin and Placer Counties. 

“I’ve spent my career working on projects ranging from complex infill development to large new growth communities, in addition to general plan and housing policy development,” said Mr. Kwong.  “I’m excited to join the City of Rancho Cordova’s team and contribute both on the technical side and with team culture to bring forth the city’s goals.”

Ms. Gass’s background in government service spans over two decades, encompassing a wide range of roles within state, local and federal government agencies. She’s worked for the Secretary of State, providing election and cyber-security solutions for California’s 58 counties. Under her leadership, there were zero reported critical incidents in the 2016 and 2018 elections. Most recently, she was CIO at the California Employment Development Department where she stepped in during a challenging time and fixed many problems, including reducing fraud and backlogs.

“My approach is to provide customer-driven technology solutions that focus on delivering innovation that directly benefits the public,” said Ms. Gass. “I’m proud to have been instrumental in California’s first award-winning chatbot, which provides round-the-clock services to the public, and I look forward to bringing the same level of innovative thinking to Rancho Cordova.”

“Both David and Rita bring a wealth of knowledge to the city that will build on the already solid reputation we have in the areas of community development, technology and innovation,” said Micah Runner, City Manager. “We are fortunate to have them both joining our city’s leadership team where their expertise will be invaluable in reaching the city’s goals.”

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About the City of Rancho Cordova

The City of Rancho Cordova incorporated on July 1, 2003, becoming the 478th city in California. Since that time, the city has grown into an emerging urban center, while retaining a small-town feel. Over 3,500 businesses employ a workforce of 65,000+, making Rancho Cordova one of the largest employment centers in the Greater Sacramento region. The city’s over 81,000 residents enjoy a beautiful, six-mile stretch of the American River, a burgeoning arts scene, 26 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, 70 acres of creeks and tributaries, and over 100 (mostly free) events. Whether you call Rancho Cordova an All-America City, Playful City USA or Tree City USA, our neighborhoods and business districts reflect diversity and opportunity, making Rancho Cordova a community where anyone can live, work, learn and play.