GLENDALE— Glendale City Councilmember Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian was selected on Tuesday to serve as Glendale’s next mayor, during the April 14 meeting of the Glendale City Council. He will formally assume the post at the Council’s April 21 meeting, succeeding outgoing Mayor Ara Najarian.
This will mark Kassakhian’s second term as mayor, having previously held the position in 2022–2023. A longtime Glendale resident with deep roots in the city’s civic life, Kassakhian returns to the role with extensive experience in public service and local government.
A resident of Glendale since 1986 and a graduate of Glendale public schools, Kassakhian served for 15 years as the city’s elected clerk before joining the City Council. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation for emphasizing transparency in government, civic participation, and accessibility for residents.
In addition to his service at City Hall, Kassakhian has held numerous leadership roles at the local, regional, and state levels. He was appointed by the California Senate Rules Committee to the California New Motor Vehicle Board, where he served in several leadership positions, including as president. Former California Secretary of State Alex Padilla also appointed him to the Language Accessibility Advisory Committee, which works to expand voter participation.
Kassakhian currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and as an alternate representative to the Arroyo Verdugo Communities Joint Powers Authority. Most recently, he was elected to the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Council, representing District 42, where he helps shape policy on transportation, housing, and sustainability. He also teaches political science as an adjunct instructor at Glendale Community College.
“It is my hope that we continue working toward a culture of respect and purpose—where differing viewpoints are shared constructively, and where the Council chamber reflects not only our differences, but our collective commitment to the city we serve,” Kassakhian said. “As Mayor, my role is not to assert authority, but to foster meaningful dialogue, guide thoughtful decision-making, and help set a tone grounded in accountability.”
City Manager Roubik Golanian welcomed the selection, saying Kassakhian brings “deep knowledge of Glendale’s history, strong regional relationships, and a thoughtful approach to governance,” and expressed confidence in working together over the coming year to advance the city’s priorities and serve the community.
Kassakhian earned his bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University. He also completed the Certificate Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and was a Coro Public Affairs Fellow.
He lives in Glendale’s Pelanconi neighborhood with his wife, Courtney, and their son.
