Kip Harkness

Kip Harkness is a seasoned executive leader currently serving as Deputy City Manager for the City of San José since August 2016, with a focus on creating a smart and sustainable city, emergency preparedness, and development services transformation. Harkness has overseen significant initiatives, including the city’s COVID-19 response as Director of the Emergency Operations Center, managing a large workforce and budget while ensuring continuity of essential services. With a consulting practice since 2011, Harkness provides coaching and training to leaders in technology and local government. Prior roles include leadership positions at PayPal, Harvard University, and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, with a strong background in urban planning and community engagement, demonstrated by the successful Strong Neighborhoods Initiative. Harkness's educational background includes a Master's in Urban Planning and a Bachelor's in Anthropology and International Affairs from Florida State University.