The City of Stockton is welcoming back a familiar and highly respected leader as Christine Tien returns to City Hall as the new Deputy City Manager, bringing with her more than two decades of experience in public service, philanthropy, and community-focused leadership.
A former Stockton Deputy City Manager, Tien’s return signals a renewed commitment to equity, innovation, and results-driven leadership. Most recently, she served as Senior Program Manager at The California Endowment, where she oversaw initiatives centered on health equity, housing stability, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity—guiding the distribution of more than $110 million in grants across California.
“Christine brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and deep community experience,” said Johnny Ford. “Her leadership will be instrumental as Stockton continues to advance priority initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, promote equity, and improve quality of life for our residents.”
For longtime residents, Tien’s return is especially meaningful. From 2001 to 2009, she served the City of Stockton in multiple leadership roles, including Deputy City Manager and Community Relations Officer. During that time, she provided oversight for key departments and led citywide efforts in sustainability, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, and public safety. She also stepped in as interim director for Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and the City’s Budget Office—a testament to her versatility and trusted leadership.
“I am honored to return to the City of Stockton and to serve the community once again,” Tien said. “Stockton is a city with tremendous resilience and potential, and I look forward to working alongside the City Manager, City Council, employees, and community partners to deliver meaningful and lasting results for residents.”
Tien’s academic background reflects the depth of her public service expertise. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona, a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
As Stockton continues to evolve and invest in its neighborhoods, housing, public health, and economic growth, Tien’s return is seen as a major asset to the city’s leadership team. The City of Stockton expressed enthusiasm in welcoming her back and looks forward to the experience, stability, and vision she brings to this pivotal role.