Palo Alto's Chief Communication Officer Claudia Keith, who joined the city six years ago to fill the newly created position, has stepped down.

Keith, who is concluding her tenure this week, said her resignation has been in the works for some time. A southern California native, she told the Weekly that she and her family are moving back south. City Manager Ed Shikada is recruiting for Keith's replacement.

Keith, a former California State University executive, joined the city in 2013. Then-City Manager James Keene applauded Keith for her experience in public communications through the college system's public affairs office. She also ran her own consulting practice from 1998 to 2006, serving clientele that included public agencies, according to the city.

The departure comes just days after Shikada filled three critical vacancies. On Monday night, the City Council approved his appointment of Kiely Nose as the city's new Chief Financial Officer; Dean Batchelor as new Utilities Department director; and Kristen O'Kane as the new director of the Community Services Department.

Even so, the city is still looking to fill several key vacancies, including chief transportation official and fire chief.