Vallejo’s city manager currently away from office; no reason given

by John Glidden | June 3, 2021

VALLEJO – Days before the Vallejo City Council is expected to review and ultimately approve its 2021-2022 fiscal year budget, Vallejo City Manager Greg Nyhoff is out of his office with the city mum on when he will return.

City Spokeswoman Christina Lee confirmed Wednesday night that Nyhoff was out of the office with Assistant City Manager Anne Cardwell acting as city manager “while he is out.”

Lee said Thursday she was still waiting to hear back from Cardwell about when Nyhoff is expected to return.

Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell said Thursday afternoon that he doesn’t know when Nyhoff will return.

“The city attorney sent out an announcement that (Nyhoff) is out of the office for the time being,” McConnell added.

Late Tuesday morning, JohnGlidden.com sent questions to Lee and Nyhoff about news that Judy Shepard-Hall, the city’s housing & community development program manager, had been placed on paid administrative leave. Neither responded.

A follow-up email was sent to both Nyhoff and Lee at about 1 pm on Wednesday. Four hours later, JohnGlidden.com sent a separate email to Nyhoff asking if he had any response to questions about a huge amount of staff turnover during his three years as Vallejo’s CEO.

An automated response was generated from Nyhoff’s account, stating that he “will be out of the office.” Those contacting Nyhoff were also encouraged to contact Cardwell or Melissa Rhodes, executive assistant to the city manager for assistance.

Screen grab of automated message from Vallejo City Manager Greg Nyhoff’s email address. (John Glidden).

No other information was provided in the automated response on when Nyhoff will return.

Nyhoff’s tenure has been fraught with controversy. Since becoming the city’s CEO, Nyhoff has been criticized for his handling of a badge bending scandal involving the city’s police department. During his time with Vallejo, there has been significant turnover within City Hall as multiple high-ranking positions have become vacant: Finance director, police chief, assistant city manager, housing manager, planning and services director, including three risk managers, and two fire chiefs.


JohnGlidden.com is an independent news blog covering the cities of Vallejo and Benicia.  If you appreciate the journalism on this site, please consider making a contribution.

Published by John Glidden

John Glidden is a freelance journalist reporting on the city of Vallejo. The native Vallejoan also covers the local school district, Vallejo elections, and public safety.

3 thoughts on “Vallejo’s city manager currently away from office; no reason given

  1. The Vallejo City Manager Nyhoff has been firing & hiring Staffs for his own best interest The City of Vallejo don’t need a City Manager who don’t have his best interest for Vallejo. There should be more transparency and accountability. The Mayor should step up have a serious City Council Meeting and let the people of Vallejo know what’s going with this issue. We need explanation at every level.

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