VISTA, Calif. — City Manager John Conley has announced the promotion of Human Resources Director Natalie Jacobs to deputy city manager. In her new role, Jacobs joins the city’s executive leadership team alongside Conley and Assistant City Manager Imelda M. Huerta.
Jacobs brings more than 22 years of public service experience, including more than 18 years in progressively responsible human resources leadership positions. As deputy city manager, she will assist with the direction and coordination of assigned city departments and divisions, oversee special projects and help develop and implement policies supporting the City Council’s goals and priorities.
“Since returning to Vista, Natalie has demonstrated strong leadership, sound judgment and a deep commitment to our employees and the community we serve,” Conley said. “Her extensive municipal experience, collaborative approach and understanding of our organization will be tremendous assets in this expanded role. I am confident she will help us advance the City Council’s priorities and continue delivering high-quality services to Vista residents.”
Jacobs returned to the City of Vista in June 2024 as human resources manager and was promoted to human resources director in December 2024. In that position, she has advised the city manager, executive leadership team and City Council on workforce planning, personnel administration, policy implementation and risk management. She has also directed the city’s labor and employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, safety and organizational development programs.
Before returning to Vista, Jacobs served the city of Menifee for five years, advancing from human resources analyst to human resources supervisor and then human resources manager. In her final position with Menifee, she oversaw human resources, risk management and emergency management functions. She previously served as a senior human resources analyst for the city of Chula Vista.
Jacobs began her first tenure with the city of Vista in 2004. Over the following years, she advanced through several positions in the Human Resources Department, ultimately serving as a human resources analyst. In 2018, she continued her municipal career with the city of Chula Vista as a senior human resources analyst.
“Vista has been an important part of my professional journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community in a broader capacity,” Jacobs said. “I look forward to bringing my experience, energy and commitment to this role while working alongside our employees, city leadership, community partners and residents. I am excited about what we can accomplish together as we build on the great work already underway and continue moving Vista forward.”
Jacobs holds a master’s degree in management and leadership, a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and an associate degree in accounting.
About the City of Vista
Vista is a charter city located in northern San Diego County. Incorporated in 1963, Vista is home to approximately 100,000 residents. For more information, visit vista.gov.
