Larry Westerlund is now Fresno’s former economic development director.
City Hall confirmed that Westerlund, who first took the job in 2014 under then-Mayor Ashley Swearengin, resigned May 31.
“The time seemed to be right. I’m glad to go back to the private sector and glad about the opportunities there,” Westerlund told GV Wire.
Many people have noted Westerlund’s recent absence at City Hall the past few weeks. At the time, the city said he was on vacation.
He was recently a finalist for a similar position in Austin, Texas which eventually hired a local candidate.

Job Opening Posted

Fresno has posted a job opening for economic development director, with a salary range of $133,980-$192,276.
According to the posting, the job entails “directing, developing and implementing comprehensive economic development programs with an emphasis on development of new business as well as expanding and retaining existing businesses.”
Westerlund, a city councilman from 2005-2013, also is a licensed attorney.
Lupe Perez, the city’s downtown revitalization manager, is serving as the interim director of economic development.

Westerlund’s Future

Westerlund says he is returning to private practice as an attorney at Coleman & Horowitt, specializing in business law.
He said he is proud of his accomplishments at City Hall, especially bringing in the Amazon and Ulta Beauty distribution centers, which added a combined 5,000 jobs, according to city figures.