The City of Indian Wells appointed Eric Ceja as Assistant City Manager following a successful recruitment process by Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions (TSTS).
With nearly 19 years in local government, Eric Ceja brings extensive expertise in economic and community development. Throughout his career, he has led business recruitment and retention efforts, facilitated housing and retail developments and managed intergovernmental relations and development agreements. Ceja holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Environmental Studies/City and Regional Planning from Sonoma State University, as well as a Master of Public Administration and a Mini MBA from California State University, San Bernardino.
TSTS Executive Recruiter Christine Martin led the search with support from Senior Recruitment Coordinator Kylie Sun and Assistant Recruitment Coordinators Sydney Fitch and Julia Gale.
“Working with Tripepi Smith is always a seamless experience,” said Indian Wells City Manager Christopher Freeland. “From crafting a targeted recruitment strategy to creating a polished and informative brochure, TS Talent Solutions ensured we attracted top-tier candidates. Their expertise in local government is unmatched — it’s why we keep coming back to them.”
As part of the recruitment efforts, team TSTS designed a recruitment brochure highlighting the City’s mission statement, featuring key information about the City and outlining the ideal candidate. Combined with strategic outreach, the position received 106 applicants from across and outside of California. Following an extensive screening and interview process, Freeland extended the offer to Eric.
“Indian Wells is a community that values strong leadership and thoughtful management,” said Christine. “We tailored our recruitment strategy to reflect those priorities, ensuring we reached the most qualified candidates. Eric is a natural fit for the City’s team and I am confident that he and City Manager Freeland will accomplish a lot for the community. ”
“I am very excited to be joining the team in Indian Wells and to work with Dr. Freeland and the City Council,” said Eric. “The TS Talent Solutions team was responsive to all of my questions and proactive in providing me with the resources I needed to feel prepared for my interview.”
About TS Talent Solutions
TS Talent Solutions is a California-based executive search and talent development organization focused on the local government sector. A division of Tripepi Smith, TS Talent Solutions leverages the expertise and digital acumen of its parent firm to deliver next-generation recruitment solutions for public agencies. The quest for talent never ends, but progress is made with TS Talent Solutions.
We’ve sourced talent for:
City of American Canyon, Town of Atherton, City of Bainbridge Island (WA), City of Bell, City of Commerce, City of Fairfield, City of Indian Wells, City of Indio, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lomita, City of Manteca, City of Morro Bay, City of Needles, City of Palos Verdes Estates, City of Paramount, City of Pasco (WA), City of Rosemead, City of San Luis Obispo, City of Saratoga, City of Tracy, Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Humboldt County Association of Governments, Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Ventura Council of Governments, West County Wastewater District
We’ve developed strategic plans for:
City of Bellflower, City of Carpinteria, City of Cerritos, City of Foster City, City of Hercules, City of Lomita, City of Westminster