Local
San Diego council confirms Bethany Bezak as new COO
The San Diego City Council unanimously approved Bethany Bezak as the city’s chief operating officer Monday, restoring a separate COO after Mayor Todd Gloria had handled the duties himself since early 2025.
City News Service reported that the council voted 8-0 for Bezak, with Councilmember Stephen Whitburn absent. The confirmation completes the appointment Gloria announced on October 15.
Bezak has worked for San Diego for seven years. She previously led the stormwater and transportation departments and most recently served as chief performance and logistics officer, overseeing transportation, general services, purchasing and contracting among other operations.
Vote: 8-0
Role: Chief operating officer
Salary: $460,000, plus benefits
Status: Confirmed October 19, 2026
Role returns after more than a year
San Diego eliminated the standalone COO position in February 2025 as part of a reduction in City Hall staffing. Gloria then assumed direct responsibility for day-to-day operations until Bezak’s confirmation.
Her benefits bring the total compensation package to $541,000, according to City News Service. She holds bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and architecture and a master’s degree in biological systems engineering.
Official announcement: City of San Diego — October 15, 2026 →
Original local reporting: KPBS — October 15, 2026 →
Additional reporting: Voice of San Diego — October 15, 2026 →
Confirmation update: City News Service via Times of San Diego — October 19, 2026 →