FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley and Former Mayor Tiffany Ackley Share Condolences Following Unexpected Passing of Aliso Viejo City Manager Mitzi Ortiz
Aliso Viejo, California — The City of Aliso Viejo mourns the sudden loss of City Manager Mitzi Ortiz, who passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2025.
More than a City Manager, Mitzi served as a trusted leader, a compassionate listener, and a familiar and caring presence throughout the community. During her eleven years of dedicated service to the City of Aliso Viejo, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, approaching her work with integrity, humility, and genuine care for the residents and colleagues she served. Her impact to the City and the many lives she touched during her tenure will be greatly remembered.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the City of Aliso Viejo, Mitzi Ortiz’s family, friends, and colleagues,” said Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley, who represents the Fifth District. “Mitzi dedicated her career to public service – leading with integrity, compassion, and deep respect for the community she served. Her leadership and kindness left a lasting impact on Aliso Viejo. Mitzi will be remembered for her commitment to making local government work for those who call the City of Aliso Viejo home.”
The Aliso Viejo Mayor and City Council extend their deepest condolences to Mitzi’s family, friends, and loved ones, as well as to City employees and community members who are mourning this profound loss. During the Christmas season — a time centered on family, reflection, and togetherness — this news is especially difficult for our community.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our city,” said 2025 Mayor Tiffany Ackley. “Mitzi had recently stepped into her role as City Manager after being unanimously promoted from within following a long and dedicated tenure at City Hall. She led with compassion and humility, and cared deeply about this community and the people who serve it. She will be profoundly missed.”
In accordance with City Council policy, Mitzi previously appointed Ann Eifert to serve as Acting City Manager during her absence. City staff will ensure services continue uninterrupted while the community takes time to honor Mitzi’s memory and legacy.
At this time, the City’s focus remains on supporting one another and allowing space for collective grief. Additional information will be shared as appropriate. The City respectfully requests that the privacy of Mitzi’s family be honored during this difficult time.
Aliso Viejo Media Contact
Name: Cora Swanson
Title: Human Resources Manager
City of Aliso Viejo
Email: hr@avcity.org
Phone: (949) 425-2511
To inquire about Vice Chair Foley’s media availability, please contact Alyssa Napuri at (657) 334-4930.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Regional Transportation Committee, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,
Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,
Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, Orange County Community Corrections
Partnership (OCCCP), Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency,
and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
