GARDEN GROVE City Council Member Kris Beard, center, and City Manager Scott Stiles, right, helps celebrate the grand re-opening of the Valley View McDonald’s with owner/operator Patti Widdicombe, right. Beard was chosen as mayor pro tem on Tuesday night.
(Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC).

Kris Beard, the city councilman from West Garden Grove, was elected the mayor pro tem for 2018 at Tuesday’s meeting of the Garden Grove City Council. Beard, first appointed to the council in 2011 and elected in 2014, will preside over council meetings when Mayor Steve Jones is absent.

His nomination was made by outgoing pro tem Phat Bui, who described Beard as a “very distinguished council member,” citing him also for his earlier service as chair of the city planning commission. Beard’s selection was approved on a 7-0 vote by the council.

Beard thanked Bui for the nomination and the council for “having confidence” in him. In addition to serving as “vice mayor,” he continues to represent District 1.

He holds a B.A. degree in political science from UC Santa Cruz and from 1982 to 1992, was city clerk for Signal Hill. He has lived in Garden Grove since 1992 and is currently employed as an administrative manager. Beard is married and has three grown sons.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23.