Gaithersburg's more than five-month search for a City Manager is over.

The Gaithersburg mayor and City Council announced Thursday morning the appointment of Deputy City Manager Tony Tomasello as City Manager, according to a news release.

Tomasello has served as Acting City Manager since the June 15 resignation of former City Manager Angel Jones. Tomasello was hired by the city in 1996 as its economic development director and has served as deputy city manager since 2001.

“I'm honored to accept this outstanding opportunity, which I believe to be one of the premier positions in local government,” Tomasello said in a statement.

“The combination of a cooperative and informed mayor and City Council, an exceptionally dedicated and professional staff, and an engaged citizenry, has made working in Gaithersburg a pleasure and provides a strong foundation for us to build upon.”

Tomasello emerged from three finalists for the position, including Annapolis City Manager Mike Mallinoff of Glen Arm, MD, and Kerrville, TX, City Manager Todd Parton, of Kerrville, TX.

“Tony has been a tremendous asset to the city for many years,” Mayor Sidney A. Katz said in a statement.

“The Council and I interviewed a number of well-qualified candidates for this position. We were most impressed with what Tony can bring to the table in terms of familiarity with the city’s operations and staff, knowledge of local and regional issues, a solid background in economic development, and a commitment to enhancing Gaithersburg’s reputation for excellence.”