As the city manager's Chief Financial Officer, the City Manager is responsible for developing and submitting the City’s Annual Budget to the City Council and subsequently implementing the financial plan as approved by the City.
The City Manager serves as the City’s Personnel Officer and has overall responsibility for the administration of the Personnel Rules and Regulations. The City Manager also serves as the chief negotiator for City acquisitions.
Ana Cortez, City Manager
Ana Cortez is the City Manager for Hollister, California, appointed unanimously by the Hollister City Council in January 2026 and began her role on February 2, 2026. In this position, she serves as the city’s chief administrative officer, responsible for overseeing municipal operations, implementing City Council policies, and managing the city’s budget, staff, and strategic initiatives.
Ms. Cortez brings more than three decades of experience in local government leadership and administration. Prior to joining Hollister, she held several executive roles across multiple cities in the western United States. Her previous positions include City Manager for Carnation and Leavenworth, Washington; and City Manager for Helena, Montana. Earlier in her career, she served as Assistant City Manager in Yakima, Washington, Public Works Manager for West Sacramento, California, and Community Development Manager for Richmond, California, where she spent eight years working on planning, redevelopment, and economic development initiatives.
Ms. Cortez holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. Her professional work has focused on municipal management, community development, public infrastructure, financial planning, and building collaborative relationships between local government, residents, and regional partners.
As Hollister’s City Manager, Ms. Cortez works with the mayor, city council, and community stakeholders to address the city’s priorities, strengthen municipal operations, and guide long-term planning for the growing San Benito County community.