CONCORD -- After a nationwide search, a familiar face has been named the city's next top executive.

The city council on Tuesday announced the selection of Valerie Barone as city manager, more than a year after she was appointed to the interim position following the departure of Dan Keen. The council's decision was unanimous; the hiring is not final until a contract is made available to the public and ratified by council.

"She has consistently displayed high intelligence, creativity, a broad skill set and a 'can do' approach," Mayor Dan Helix said, reading a statement. "No matter what the issue she always ensures that the view and needs of all stakeholders are accounted for."

Barone served as the assistant city manager to Keen until he left in February 2012 to take over as city manager in Vallejo. Before that, Barone worked as the community development director in the city of Walnut Creek, and had previously held the same job in Milpitas.

David DeBolt covers Concord and Clayton. Contact him at 925-943-8048. Follow him at Twitter.com/daviddebolt.