Long Beach has appointed a new city manager Thursday just days after the abrupt departure of its third acting city manager in two years.

City Council members appointed Donna Gayden as the newest city manager. Gayden has been the city manager or comptroller in five different municipalities, with her most recent stint in Illinois.

Gayden is now tasked with turning around a city that is under investigation for controversial payouts. The city has also been forced to raise taxes in recent years.

MORE: Long Beach's 3rd acting city manager in 2 years steps down

Gayden, who replaces former acting City Manager John Mirando, was sworn in during the emergency meeting. Gayden has a six-month term with a three-month option.

City Council members say Gayden is a turnaround expert known for coming into a city, fixing its finances and then looking for a new challenge.

City Council President John Bendo says a municipal executive search firm helped the City Council identify Gayden as the best person for the job.

"Donna brings the specific skills Long Beach needs right now as city manager," says Bendo. "She comes into financially stressed municipalities and does the heavy lifting necessary to put them on a path to turn it around. That's what we need right now."

Gayden says she wants to work with the City Council to find ways to make things better without borrowing money to balance the budget.

Gayden must present a budget to the City Council by April 10.