New department heads join City Hall

DOWNEY - The city of Downey announced two key hires at City Hall this week.

Mohammad Mostahkami was hired as public works director and Anil Gandhy as finance and technology director.

Prior to coming to Downey, Mostahkami was public works director and a city engineer for South Gate for 16 years.

He is a registered state professional engineer with a master's degree in engineering from USC.

In South Gate, he implemented a 5-year capital improvement plan and secured more than $30 million in projects, and "he's exactly what we're looking for in Downey," said Mayor Pro Tem Luis Marquez.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Mostahkami joining our city team," added Mayor Fernando Vasquez. "His experience and his professional connections, from MTA to Gateway Cities to water and sewer issues, will be invaluable assets to the city."

Gandhy's experience in government and municipal finance spans more than 30 years, including 11 years in West Hollywood, where he managed the Finance and Technology Services Department.

He is credited with helping West Hollywood and other communities navigate the economic downturn by creating "long-range financial plans that prepared cities in advance to deal with economic challenges and opportunities."

He is a certified public accountant and holds a masters in business administration.

"We were able to persuade Mr. Gandhy to come out of retirement and join our city team as we embark on some ambitious goals, including long-range financial planning and technological enhancements," said Vasquez.

Gandhy will assume his full-time role in March, while Mostahkami begins in late February. Salary information for either official was not immediately available.

********** Published: Jan. 16, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 40