On Tuesday night, his time came as the City Council unanimously agreed to have him replace outgoing manager Greg Devereaux.
Less than 24 hours after Hughes got the job, the Rancho Cucamonga resident talked about his tenure with Ontario and what the future might bring.
"The next month I will be Greg's shadow and going through an intensive transition," Hughes said. "It'll be a challenging 30 days."
On Feb. 12, after his contract details have been worked out with the city, Hughes will become the city manager.
But over the last three years, Hughes wasn't sure when that day would come.
Hughes,
Ontario Fire Chief Chris Hughes, right, will take over the duties of city manager from Greg Devereaux, left, who was appointed San Bernardino County's new administrative officer. (Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino/Staff Photographer)
46, was being trained to replace Devereaux as part of the city's succession plan, which aims to make a smooth transition between a departing staff member and the replacement.
Since there never was a start date, Hughes said he didn't think it would come this quickly.
It was Hughes' presence in the city and his leadership that prompted Devereaux to consider him as his replacement.
"We built a strong organization and team," Devereaux said. "It was essential for the council to appoint someone who keeps the team in place, someone they know and trusted. That was Chris."
Devereaux said there is no set path for any administrator to get into the role.
For the past two years, Hughes has been getting his feet wet on city issues, attending conferences and classes offered by the California Redevelopment Association and the California League of Cities. He attended seminars through the California City Managers Foundation, which are held for those hoping to become city managers.
He has been an active member of the New Model Colony Policy Group in the city as well as the General Plan process.
"What most people don't know is all the work and time (Hughes) has put in besides being fire chief," Mayor Paul Leon said. "I respect him for that because he didn't have to do that."
In many ways, being fire chief has helped him prepare for the job, Hughes said.
The Fire Department by nature is involved with several departments such as working on plan checks as well as having a vested interest in issues such as land use, he said.
For Hughes, there was a moment of uncertainty. The hesitation came internally and had more to do with his determining if he was ready for the job.
"I'm always up for the professional challenge," Hughes said. "The fact that the council had the confidence in me - you don't do it if they don't - then I knew I could do the job."
Hughes said he also got the blessing from his wife, Patti, and their three grown children.
The city is built on relationships with city staff and with residents, Councilman Alan Wapner said.
For 22 years, Hughes has been a part of building those relationships and a key executive of the city staff.
That's why Wapner felt Hughes was the right choice.
While Hughes has been groomed for the city manager post for some time, Wapner said he will "get a lot of on-the-job training as well."
But on Tuesday, several council members said continuity and stability were other reasons Hughes was selected.
"Nothing is going to change, no offense to Greg, but we're just going to keep moving forward," Wapner said.
For Leon, the decision was easy.
"I don't think we'll be losing staff with (Hughes) there," he said.
Oftentimes, Leon said, you lose staff because your city leader has left.
Councilman Jim Bowman said Hughes has the respect of city staff.
"His eyes are wide open. He gets it," Bowman said. "The continuity will continue and we are here to work with you collectively."
Born in Santa Monica, Hughes was the first in his family to enter fire service.
By the age of 22, Hughes had gone through a series of jobs that weren't clicking. That was until he took a course in EMT "and fell in love" with the profession, he said.
He would go on to take courses at Mt. San Antonio College. He began with the city of Ontario in 1988 as a firefighter and EMT.
"Once you get bit by that bug, that's it," he said.
Since 1997, Hughes has assumed several positions, including fire captain, fire training captain and deputy fire chief. He was promoted to fire chief in December 2004.
Ryan Lewis, fire engineer and president of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, has worked with Hughes for a little more than 12 years.
"He is a stand-up individual," he said. "He's done it all in our department. ... I don't think everybody understands all that he has to offer."
During his tenure, Hughes has always had an open-door policy, Lewis said.
Oftentimes, when a fire chief has been in that role for a while, they lose their connection with staff but that hasn't been the case with Hughes, he said.
"Chris has stayed engaged and on top of new hires," Lewis said. "He's going to be a tremendous loss but a tremendous gain for the city."
When Hughes moved into his first administrative role with the department, he said it was a significant change.
"When you step into a supervising role, you have to remember you live and work with these people. So when you supervise, it's tough," he said.
And each time he was promoted, his goal was to leave that post "better than what you found it," he said.
While the city manager decision came quickly, Hughes said he is still contemplating who will replace him as fire chief.
But he admits it is only starting to set in that he will be leaving his "brotherhood."
"I love my job. I love being a fire chief," he said. "But this is my family. I've spent many days and nights with these guys."
Aside from his role with the department, Hughes is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association and the California Fire Chiefs Association.
He is first vice president of the San Bernardino County Fire Chiefs Association and chairman of the West End Fire Emergency Response Commission.
In any transition, the first 100 days are key.
Within the first couple of weeks of assuming the job, Hughes said, he wants to sit down with the council members and determine if their goals have changed.
"I'm going to be stepping into the city Greg built," he said. "The foundation and economy is stable.
"I will come in and bring consistency and manage the city. I'm not looking for drastic changes. But those are big shoes to fill."
Fine post, I found your blog while I was doing a research on the internet.
My dad bought a new one for my house. However I am having some trouble and I need help.
There are certainly a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where the most important thing will b
You made a good point, but have you really thought about how it may affect other people? I don't say you're wrong, I just need to point out that there is more than one side to this story.
Being shorter is not a crime, if everybody else around you is taller, it is obvious you would want to look taller too.
It can trim down your offline selling costs too if you get it cooked properly. Watching someone who not only does SEO but does the content initiation and distribution for you as well as keyword research, updating content on your internet site and blog, having professionaly composed press releases at deep prices as referred previous is what suits many small job owners and yet there are many another who try out to do it themselves, they get vexed as they dont have the cognition or the technical sciences to do it rapidly and they abandon. Thank you for this article! I've just learned a certainly unbelievable news site about panda marketing Taste it!
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also
Good post, thanks
Excellent job.
Wealthy individuals certainly need pairs of Gucci shoes for varied occasions and social functions. Most of them own pairs of shoes for shopping, dating, sports activities and several other social gatherings. Everyone is so passionate about owning pairs of these miu miu shoes because wearing these shoes will certainly alter any attire that they are wearing into something that is too marvelous to refuse. Gucci shoes will certainly fulfill your craving for fashion. These shoes are crafted from the finest leather and are famous among teenagers.
Hello just thought i would tell you something.. This is twice now i've landed on your blog in the last 2 days looking for completely unrelated things. Spooky or what?
I finally decided to drop a comment, and let me tell you this is another very strong and powerful post. I've been reading through some of your previous posts and have been visiting your blog every now and then. I signed up for your newsletter and shared your site with my contacts, so please keep up the informative posts and return the favor. :)
Good luck on your blog, and feel free to comment and subscribe to my blog as well when you get a chance: Make Money Online with Dino Vedo.
Thanks so much, and lets stay connected and maybe share some ideas, do some guest posts, and get us both some more traffic and backlinks!
All the best,
Dino Vedo
Hi, I can’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Can you Help me, please chase sapphire
Thanks for your visiting this www.glamourseller.com online store.
And cue the pirate-themed double entendres. I'll kick it off..."Yarrrgh, she could shiver me timber."
Thanks for the informative post. It helped me a lot. May the Force be with you.
Wonderful to read!
Hi. I'm interested in placing ad on this in turn web site. I can't find the contact post so here I am.
Hy ...cheers for the informative article.I'm really happy I found it on yahooKeep up the great work because I for sure will check it out for updates
I've seen many sites and I can definitely say that your site is the best. I bookrmarked this, I added this on Digg, and I added the feed. Thanks!
I cant believe the multitude of wonderful info you have on your blog. I have learned a lot from it. Will be coming back soon.
Great Post. I add this Post to my bookmarks.
Thank You For This Blog, was added to my bookmarks.
Thank You For This Blog, was added to my bookmarks.
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
Wonderful to read!
Hy...state I didn't had a great read from a extended time.Really happy i found it on yahoo.I was speaking with my friends three days ago around this matter and I have to say you make things very clear for me.Thanks and good luck
Dressing up in the right way is not that difficult. You only need to have the dressing sense. It is also essential to pay attention to details. Most of the people are giving much importance to this issue. It can have positive effect on your personality and career. It can lift your confidence level thereby making you more successful in life.
Should I buy steel golf clubs or graphite ?
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Should I buy steel golf clubs or graphite ?
Should I buy steel golf clubs or graphite ?
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
LMAO
Which golf clubs will be the best for beginner ?
Which Golf Clubs Are Better - Steel or Graphite ?
Very Interesting Blog! Thank You For Thi Post!
Great Blog. I add this Blog to my bookmarks.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Which golf clubs will be the best for beginner ?
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
I will add this blog to my favorites, it is great.
That is a very interesting post, Patents are needed for all new technology. If you come up with something be sure to get a patent on it or you may just have your technology copied.The Visto Philosophy mimics The Real Networks Philosophy... "When you can't sell your products on your own, just sue anyone else that does the job better."Getting A Patent Thanks
The Avengers Movie 2012 Cant wait. Its going to be one of the best movies ever. All the big actors will be staring in it. It will be amazing
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Lenen Zonder BKR Toetsing Lenen zonder BKR toetsing stijgt in populariteit op het Internet. Veel mensen met een zogeheten BKR notatie, die toch geld willen lenen zijn op zoek naar ...
Thanks For This Blog, was added to my bookmarks.
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.
Which Golf Clubs Are Better - Steel or Graphite ?
Great text and nice site.
A very interesting read and a great post alltogether. Would you mind if I posted the same article on my blog (with a reference to your website)?
A very interesting read and a great post alltogether. Would you mind if I posted the same article on my blog (with a reference to your website)?
A very interesting read and a great post alltogether. Would you mind if I posted the same article on my blog (with a reference to your website)?
For the women who are averse to wearing roman sandals because they find them a little masculine for their taste, or simply because they are scared the shoe type will make them look short, a good alternative is to purchase strapped thong sandals.
Thank You For This Blog, was added to my bookmarks.
Thank You For This Post, was added to my bookmarks.
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.
Hi. I am fascinated in placing advert on that website. I cannot discover the contact document so right here I'm.
Hi! May I move your subject matter in Pdf file format? I desire it in my training course.
Very Interesting Blog! Thank You For Thi Post!
Thank you for your helpdiscount gucci handbags
Good read. Do you have a RSS feed?
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for a great post
Good post, thanks
1750, Massachusetts Lean built a shoe factory, so the local shoe-making technology was further developed. There is no longer an independent worker making shoes, shoes at every step by a trained dedicated staff. Line begins to form. At first the shoes are still made to order, but in order to allow workers to off-season something to do, shoes do not start booking Square boss shoes. These shoes are called shoes for sale, placed in a local store window. Two brothers, Harvey cart loaded earlier is for sale shoes, to sell the vicinity of
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
Over de voor- en nadelen van het afsluiten van een lening zonder BKR-toetsing.
Lenen zonder BKR toetsing gaat vandaag heel gemakkelijk. Binnen een paar uur geld lenen zonder BKR toetsing doet u hier, lees snel verder
You certainly have some agreeable opinions and views. Your blog provides a fresh look at the subject.
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
Good post, thanks
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
Very Interesting Post! Thank You For Thi Post!
Should I buy steel golf clubs or graphite ?
Which golf clubs will be the best for beginner ?
A thoughtful opinion and ideas I will use on my website. You've obviously spent a lot of time on this. Well done!
It's nice to see an interesting post about Twitter plus social networking every once in a while. Nice one, ta for an excellent read!
Very Interesting Information! Thank You For Thi Blog!
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome Post. I add this Blog to my bookmarks.
Very Interesting Information! Thank You For Thi Post!
Thanks For This Blog, was added to my bookmarks.
Thank you for a great post
Awesone site dude...............
Which golf clubs will be the best for beginner ?
Wonderful to read!
Wonderful to read!
Which golf clubs will be the best for beginner ?
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
The cynics are right nine times out of ten. Henry Louis Mencken (1880-1956)
Thanks for your visiting this www.replicaseller.com/replica-pens online store.
The content on this submit is really a single of the top material that We have ever appear across. I love your submit, I'll are available back to verify for new posts.
This Advice I located on your Blog to me is Very useful and Helpful thanks For the Nice Read Looking Forward To Read Again
This Advice I located on your website to me is a Lot useful and Helpful thanks For the Nice Info Looking Forward To Read More
Despite of your craving for branded products, do you still feel that they charge out of the world prices just on the basis of brand name? Is that the reason why your collection still lacks branded products?
Thanks for your visiting this www.glamour-watches.com/replica-pens online store.
Maintain up the very good perform mate. This web site submit exhibits how properly you recognize and know this subject.
Maintain up the beneficial function mate. This weblog submit exhibits how properly you realize and know this subject.
Very Interesting Information! Thank You For Thi Information!
The ironic thing is that many blogs look very similar as they are using a similar design template.
Which golf clubs will be the best for beginner ?
Very Interesting Post! Thank You For Thi Blog!
Thanks For This Post, was added to my bookmarks.
Very Interesting Information! Thank You For Thi Post!
Wonderful to read!
Maintain up the excellent work mate. This website submit shows how well you recognize and know this subject.
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
Great post!
Ciao!
I have been using subliminal tapes to learn languages with great success when I found a similar method to improve your golf swing.
Wow this really takes me back, sending this to my friends now.
If you're in not good state and have got no money to get out from that, you will need to receive the credit loans. Because that should aid you definitely. I take collateral loan every year and feel great just because of this.
Great post!
Most buyers like a fashion-conscious eye on the trends set by keeping the rich and famous, and wished at one time or another, I could this beautiful small designer Cheapest Handbags that I have seen on the red carpet.
Great post!
Wonderful to read!
Thank so much for sharing great blog nice post and great layout i will add as a favorite for the future.
I am sure you are looking for Cheap Handbags Replicas , but definitely do not want to spend an arm and a leg in a bag brand. If I am correct, this would be a good idea to consider buying Coach bags Coach Factory Outlet Store. These outlets bus has a variety of faith and the best coach in the hand at low cost.
For women, Cheap Handbags Replicas are status, and how they feel about themselves. Many factors determine that the bag is the right choice for every woman who is very different. There are lots of big bags on the market these days, falling from the concept to the designer brand from cheap bags real treat. In this market you really what you pay for. Buy a cheap replica bags, basically you have lost your hard earned money because they often face installers today’s busy women. If you want a real designer handbags are authentic brand, you have several options that will not break the bank …
Great post thanks, found you through Google.
Thanks for your visiting this www.hello-free.com/freebies online Free WebSite.
Thanks for your visiting this www.hello-free.com/freebies online Free WebSite.