ANTIOCH – Antioch has named Zach Seal as the city’s new Community and Economic Development director.
Seal will officially step into his role on Oct. 6. David Storer had been serving as interim director.
According to the city, Seal has more than 25 years of city planning and economic development experience across the East Bay. He has held several leadership roles in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Oakland, Alameda, and the Association of Bay Area Governments.
In Pleasant Hill, where he most recently served as Economic Development manager, Seal helped revitalize a key area of downtown by bringing in Osaka Marketplace, a grocery store and restaurant market hall, according to Antioch officials.
He had also played a role in Pleasant Hill’s $500,000 Merchant Support Initiative, which included launching a technical assistance grant program for small businesses in the city.
Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott said the city is “thrilled” to welcome him to the team.
“Zach’s depth of experience, creativity, and proven success in economic revitalization make him a tremendous asset to the City of Antioch,” said Scott in a statement. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team as we continue building a vibrant, business-friendly community.”
Seal is also credited with helping to negotiate an agreement to bring the Martinez Sturgeon professional baseball team to the city’s Waterfront Park. He had also helped set up a public-private partnership that started Oakland’s free Broadway Shuttle, connecting residents downtown and workers to the Jack London waterfront.
According to Antioch officials, Seal served as a city planner in Alameda City and with the Association of Bay Area Governments earlier in his career, where he helped with regional planning strategies and oversaw a range of private development projects.
Seal holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in city planning.
“Outside of work, he is a proud father of two young daughters and, by his own account, a recently minted expert in dad jokes and hair bows,” noted the city.