The Irvine City Council has filled several executive positions integral to the operations of the county’s second-most populated city.
These appointments come after Council members unanimously supported Sean Crumby becoming the city’s seventh city manager in October, filling a vacancy left by predecessor Oliver Chi.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to thoughtful planning and strategic leadership,” Crumby said.
As the newly appointed director of the Great Park, Steve Torelli will oversee the area’s $1 billion development that is steadily marching ahead.
Before his recent promotion, Torelli had spent more than 20 years dedicated to the city. His experience spans from time spent with Public Safety, the city manager’s office and the Great Park development team.
Meanwhile, Kavita Deepak was picked to direct Irvine’s new Information Technology Department.
Deepak joined the city in 2019, initially serving as application development manager and then information technology administrator. Prior to her new role, Deepak served as Irvine’s chief information officer for two years.
Since coming from Placentia’s City Hall in 2024 to join Irvine’s, Luis Estevez assumed several roles, including director of the Great Park and temporarily filling in as director of Public Works and Sustainability. He was promoted to officially direct that department, which oversees the city’s infrastructure and open space.
Karin Koch, Irvine’s new director of economic development, joined the city earlier this fall. Before, she was managing director for Children’s Hospital Orange County and executive director of University Lab Partners, a nonprofit life sciences accelerator.
“Each of these individuals brings the experience and vision needed to guide our work and ensure Irvine remains an outstanding city, prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future,” Crumby said.
Torelli, Deepak and Estevez assumed their new roles last week, effective Nov. 22.