Surdin is currently economic development coordinator—a similar position—for the city of Saratoga. She was scheduled to start with the town Dec. 6. and be introduced at the town council meeting that night.

In Saratoga, she led efforts to attract and retain business, including a shuttle service from Big Basin Way to Villa Montalvo and a façade-improvement matching grant program.

At the other end of Highway 9, town staff and council members are hoping she can help stimulate the business community in Los Gatos. Her position, created in December 2001, originally dealt mainly with the town's Redevelopment Agency area and was held by Marty Woodworth until January 2004. It has been vacant since then.

Assistant Town Manager Pamela Jacobs said town officials redefined the job to focus on economic development throughout town.

"The Los Gatos business community is very important to the town and we recognize the importance of nurturing that relationship with them," she said. "Bringing those tax revenue dollars to the town will ... benefit the community as a whole."

Jacobs said Surdin was chosen from a field of qualified applicants, but stood out because of her demonstrated ability in Saratoga. Her positive disposition is also what the town needs, she said.

"She's a really good fit for the organization from a personality and style perspective," Jacobs said. "She's extremely energetic and a great people person."

"Energetic" is a word often used to describe the young Concordia University graduate, and rightly so. Her enthusiasm is clearly evident, whether in conversation or while giving a staff report during a council meeting.

She said she is sorry to leave Saratoga, but is looking forward to the sharing that energy and enthusiasm with Los Gatos.

"It's just a tremendous opportunity to work in a town and in a community as nice as Los Gatos," she said. "I'll get to work with a lot of different businesses, and I'm excited about that."

That excitement comes from working with the people behind the businesses. Surdin said she enjoys building relationships between business owners, city officials and consumers.

She came to Saratoga after working on economic development in the city of San Juan Capistrano and, before that, interning with the city of Palm Desert—both while earning her bachelor's degree in business administration from Concordia.

Her first project in Saratoga was the lighting project that put strands of bulbs all over Village trees. She still remembers the first time they were used.

"The little Village area is kind of dark at night," Surdin said. "The first time they turned [the lights] on, it was impressive. Getting to see people's faces then was great."

Lorie Tinfow, Saratoga's assistant city manager, said Surdin would be missed.

"She's very creative and bright, and has worked very hard to achieve the city's goals," Tinfow said. "We're sad to see her go, but it's a great opportunity for her. Los Gatos is lucky to be getting her."

Jacobs said she knows that. More than just for her personality, Surdin's skill set and work ethic will be an asset to Los Gatos, she said.

While Surdin will eventually propose new ideas for economic enhancement, there is a bit of catch-up work to do because of the nearly 11 months the position has been vacant.

"I've got a whole stack of things for her already," Jacobs said.