After 23 years of service, Buffy Bullis is retiring as the Administrative Services Director with the City of Monrovia on January 29, 2026. City Manager Dylan Feik named current Deputy Director Rae Bowman as the next Administrative Services Director.

During her career with the City of Monrovia, Buffy played a vital role in strengthening the City’s financial health while guiding the organization through challenges and long-term initiatives. She advanced pension funding strategies, helped increase the City’s net position, reduce outstanding debt obligations and helped secure voter approval of Measure K, which generates over $6 million annually to support community-identified priorities. During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent drought, Buffy adapted City financial operations to ease impacts on residents through utility billing adjustments and the implementation of water conservation measures. Buffy served as the City’s financial liaison during the Bobcat Fire, securing State and Federal reimbursements, and led financial recovery efforts following catastrophic storm damage to Monrovia Canyon Park, helping restore the park as a cherished public space. Since she began work, the City has been issued a “clean audit” every year by its independent audit firm, highlighting Buffy’s adherence to best practices in government accounting.

“As a leader in our organization, Buffy has tackled every project with unwavering determination and a deep commitment to public service,” said Dylan Feik, City Manager. “When the COVID-19 pandemic began, followed by the Bobcat Fire, Buffy began presenting quarterly budget updates to the City Council, ensuring both Council and the community could monitor the fiscal challenges of the City. It has been a privilege to watch her navigate every challenge with grace, always keeping the well-being of residents, staff and our community at the heart of her decisions. And while she received multiple national awards and recognition for her work, Buffy is best known as a kind and helpful person who puts our community first in all she does. We will all miss her dearly, and we are all proud of her and all she has achieved.

Prior to joining the City of Monrovia, Buffy worked as an internal auditor and performed financial audits of local governments across Southern California. In 2003, Buffy began her career in Monrovia as an Accounting Operations Supervisor, before earning a promotion to become Deputy Administrative Services Director. In 2017, Buffy was promoted to Administrative Services Director, overseeing all areas of the City’s finances.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated colleagues to support a community as unique and engaging as Monrovia,” said Buffy. “Together, we navigated unprecedented challenges and achieved generational milestones, with our values guiding every step. I am thankful for the trust placed in me over the years and will always carry with me a deep appreciation for Monrovia.”

Rae Bowman will assume the position on February 1, 2026, and will be responsible for overseeing the City’s financial assets and transactions, including budgeting, accounting, financial planning, payroll, utility billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and investments. With more than 13 years of finance and accounting experience, Rae has served in a variety of financial roles for the City of Monrovia, the City of Huntington Beach, and organizations within the commercial real estate and advertising sectors. Rae holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California Baptist University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.