Frank Mannen

Football

Frank Mannen’s life is a quintessential San Diego story. He grew up in Encinitas in the golden age of North County, graduating from what is now San Dieguito Academy, where he ran cross country and played quarterback for the Mustangs. His first job was at the San Diego County Fair, at age 14. He spent many summers working in operations at the Fair and driving a water truck at Del Mar Race Track.

After graduating from SDSU with degrees in Public Administration and Economics, Frank served in the Coast Guard for four years. In the early 1970s, Frank began his three-decade-plus Public Service career in Municipal Government, as a management analyst for the City of El

Cajon. In 1976, he joined the City Government of Carlsbad, where he helped lead the evolution from a small town to a well-run city. During his long tenure as Assistant City Manager, Frank was a visionary thinker who led with quiet determination, while assisting in institutionalizing transformative change. When he retired in 2004, he was heralded as “the conscience of the city” for his unwavering devotion to the Carlsbad community and residents. After retirement, Frank became an active board member of San Diego Botanic Garden.

Frank joined the San Diego County Football Officials Association continuing his love of football by serving more than 38 years as a Football Official from 1970, until his retirement in 2008. He was an Instructor for many years, a Crew Chief for 20 years and was the Referee for SDCIF Championship games in 1995 and 2003.

Frank is survived by his wife Chana, two daughters: Kate Kousser and Peggy Cawthon and four grand children: William and Kat Kousser, Franklin and Cooper Cawthon.