In an emotional and heartfelt farewell at Folsom’s City Council meeting on Tuesday night, the community gathered to bid goodbye to City Manager Elaine Andersen, celebrating her remarkable career and deep connection to the city. The council chambers were packed with colleagues, residents, and Andersen’s family, all united in honoring her more than 20 years of dedicated service.
Elaine Andersen’s public service career spans over 35 years, including nearly 20 years with the City of Folsom. During her time with the city, Andersen served in several capacities, including Special Projects Manager, Acting Director for various city departments, Deputy City Manager, and Assistant City Manager, before taking the helm as City Manager on July 16, 2018.
Andersen’s leadership was notably marked by the successful navigation of significant challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a transition to by-district elections, and overseeing a complete turnover of the City Council. Among her notable achievements were the completion of essential projects like Fire Station 34 and Prospector Park and the historic welcome of Folsom Ranch’s first resident—milestones that reflect her dedication to Folsom’s growth and prosperity.
Her contributions to local governance have earned widespread recognition, including being named to the Sacramento Business Journal’s “Power 100” list in 2024. Prior to joining the City of Folsom, Andersen served in various positions with the City of Sacramento, the State of California, and in a private-sector public affairs firm.
Former City Manager Martha Lofgren was a significant guest that shared her reflections on Andersen’s leadership Tuesday night. “Elaine, I just wanted to say thank you. The city couldn’t have been in better hands during your tenure. And the word that comes to mind for me about your leadership style is compassion. And when you think about the pandemic and now it’s in our rearview mirror, we hardly remember it, but you rose to the occasion. You led the city. You led the city council at that time in many ways. And you were the right person at the right time. So thank you for all you’ve done for the city of Folsom. And I, I hope to hear from you that Wednesday morning, a couple of months in the future, when you forgot that there was a city council meeting on Tuesday night, it takes a while, but the first time it happens, you’re just going to say, ‘I’m free.’”
Andersen’s son, Ryan Andersen, shared heartfelt memories of his mother’s devotion to her work and family. “Good evening, everyone. Mayor Aquino, city council members, coach Kozlowski, city staff, city manager Andersen, Mom,” he began. “I’d like to thank you all for the opportunity to speak this evening. For those who don’t know me, I’m Ryan Andersen, son of City Manager Elaine Andersen. Growing up, we knew Mom was making a difference in people’s lives. Even during late-night meetings or early-morning calls, she always found time to be there for us. Watching her lead with such grace and determination has been inspiring. I’ve always been proud to say, ‘My mom is the city manager of my hometown.’”
Paige Andersen, speaking virtually from Santa Cruz, reflected on the powerful example her mother set as a leader. “Mom, I don’t know if I will ever be able to fully articulate what you mean to me and our family,” Paige said. “You have led with compassion and empathy during unprecedented times that included a global pandemic and pressing social justice issues, all while taking care of your own family. You are truly the epitome of strong female leadership, and I am constantly in awe of the way you lead with grace and strength on a day-to-day basis.”
Councilmember Mike Kozlowski has known Andersen long before he joined City Council. He was one of the first to commend her when she announced her retirement a few months back.. “Elaine Andersen is one of the top executive managers I have ever worked with, and serving with her has been a professional highlight of my entire career,” Kozlowski said. “Elaine’s skills—technical, interpersonal, and diplomatic—are unmatched, and the city and I will miss her leadership. She has provided steady and unfailingly professional leadership of our city organization.”
Mayor Sarah Aquino presented Andersen with Tuesday’s commendation. Previously, she too shared her gratitude for Andersen’s steady hand, especially doing so during a turbulent time. “I’m especially grateful to Elaine for her exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Aquino said. “With her steady hand at the wheel, City Hall remained open, and we continued to provide outstanding service to our residents and business community.”
Newly elected council member Justin Raithel shared his experiences with Andersen’s responsiveness. “I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with you a lot over the years, mainly because I’ve been the annoying resident calling you about various issues,” Raithel said. “You were always approachable and made sure everyone felt heard. Your ability to handle complex issues with such grace is inspiring, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to work with you, even briefly.”
Another Newley elected council member, Barbara Leary commended Andersen’s responsiveness. “Elaine, you weren’t the only one Justin was calling,” Leary said. “You were always efficient in getting back and had the information I was asking for. You’ve been one of the most responsive city managers that we’ve had, and I really appreciate all the work you’ve done to keep residents informed.”
Longtime council member and former mayor Rosario Rodriguez wasn’t able to attend Tuesday’s event. Rodriguez officially stepped down from the council on Monday as she transitions to a new role on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. She spoke with Folsom Times to share her thoughts on Andersen, with whom she has worked closely for several years as both a business owner and council member.
“She has been an exceptional leader. When I was elected in 2020 during a worldwide pandemic, her highest priorities were the well-being of her city staff and our residents. As a new council member, she provided me with the necessary tools to be successful,” Rodriguez said. “She has been a strong advocate for our business community, especially for the small businesses that are the heart and soul of our city. Before my time as a restaurant owner and city council member, I spent 24 years in healthcare management. I have worked with many great CEOs, and the best of the best had one thing in common with Elaine: they led with heart for the business and its people. Elaine loves Folsom, and it was apparent. I wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Andersen opened her final address by expressing gratitude for the people who made her career meaningful. “And I’m going to do my best to get out a few coherent thoughts after hearing so many beautiful words tonight,” she began. “I’ve been working full time since I was 20 years old, and it truly feels surreal to be accepting a retirement commendation. And the years truly flew by in the very best way. My career does span 36 years, and I’ve spent 20 of those here in Folsom. And that is one of the biggest blessings and honors of my lifetime—to be able to serve the city that my husband and I have called home for over 33 years.”
She continued by offering special thanks. “Mayor Aquino, thank you. You are amazing. You made my job as city manager so much easier in your every word, your every action, your every collaboration, and your every initiative,” Andersen said. “You do the hard work for the people. You do your research. You listen to and value staff, and you are incredibly smart, kind, and collaborative. We share a premature, heartbreaking loss of wonderful dads. And I know that your dad, a fellow public servant and elected official, would be so very proud of you. So keep doing great things.”
She also addressed Councilmember Mike Kozlowski. “Council Member Kozlowski, thank you. You are innovative, smart, and strategic. I particularly enjoyed this last year with you serving as mayor. It allowed us to have near daily conversations in City Hall. We share a bit of a snarky sense of humor, maybe a dark sense of humor, and I swear you made me laugh at least once a day. And city managers sure need some laughs here and there. You also made me think a lot and use my brain power with your creativity and your entrepreneurial spirit. Thank you for your friendship, partnership, and kindness.”
Turning to city employees, Andersen expressed deep gratitude. “All city employees, you are extraordinary, and many of you are so unsung. Know that I see you, each and every one of you. You make the city go round, day in and day out. And that’s not easy, and it often goes unnoticed. I notice. I am thankful, and I will miss every one of you.”
She then acknowledged her executive management team. “My executive management team, can I ask you to please stand? Those of you that are here, these are my department heads, my direct reports. They are also my friends. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your amazing brains. Thank you for your kind hearts. Thank you for surrounding me in the security of your expertise. I am indebted to you. Thank you.”
Andersen concluded with advice for leaders and the community. “Just as we all know, it doesn’t make you a strong leader to be unkind. Know that it doesn’t somehow make you a weak leader to be kind. Remember to build people up. Please don’t tear them down. Please remember that in the end, we’re all just fellow human beings.”
Andersen’s last day in the office is Friday.
