SOLANA BEACH — Greg Wade will leave his post as city manager of Solana Beach after accepting a position as the new chief executive officer of the Clean Energy Alliance.
Wade was selected from over 50 applicants for the leadership position at CEA, a public entity focused on providing alternative energy resources via a partnership with North County cities.
The agency’s board of directors unanimously approved Wade’s appointment as CEO with a $325,000 salary on Sept. 28.
Wade will officially step into the role on Dec. 1 after eight years with the city of Solana Beach, replacing outgoing CEO Barbara Boswell.
“I’m honored to serve CEA’s member communities as CEO,” said Wade. “Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by San Diegans’ commitment to making our community an excellent, innovative and environmentally sustainable place to live. The cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Escondido, San Marcos, Oceanside and Vista have joined together to create an exceptional energy resource, and I’m looking forward to building upon the organization’s commitment to a sustainable future.”
Along with public administration experience, Wade is closely acquainted with clean energy initiatives, having led the establishment of the Solana Energy Alliance, San Diego County’s first Community Choice Aggregation, while serving as city manager.
In 2019, Solana Beach also became one of CEA’s three founding cities under his leadership, “which makes him well-versed in CEA’s operations, future opportunities and goals, and what has made the CEA successful,” the agency said.
Before joining the Solana Beach government, Wade served as the assistant city manager and community development director in Imperial Beach.
Solana Beach Councilmember Kristi Becker, one of CEA board members who approved Wade’s appointment, said he will be missed by the city.
“It’s super bittersweet … for Solana Beach to lose you as our city manager. You have been such a strong leader for the city, and I personally am sad to see you go, but there is no denying you were our top candidate for this position,” Becker said.
City officials held a special closed session meeting Monday to accept Wade’s delayed resignation and discuss recruitment plans for a new city manager.
