Derek Johnson will lead the city’s Community Development Department starting in November.

He replaces John Mandeville, who retired after 10 years as the director of that department.

Johnson, currently community development director in the city of Capitola, a small beach community near Santa Cruz.

He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from UC Santa Barbara.

Johnson was hired by Capitola in July 2010, and before that was Santa Barbara County’s director of long range planning.

Johnson was one of eight finalists interviewed by the city from a pool of more than 100 applicants.

Johnson’s annual salary will be $142,012. He is also eligible for up to $15,000 in relocation expenses.