The city made the announcement through a statement on Thursday. Handy will succeed Ken Small, who was Huntington Beach's chief since 2002. He announced his retirement earlier this year.
Prior to his post as San Bernardino's police chief, Handy served in the Phoenix, Ariz. police department for 21 years. According to the statement, handy started off as an officer in 1990 and rose through the ranks to commander by 2006.
Handy received a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Arizona and a master's degree in public administration from Arizona State University. He was an adjunct professor at Arizona State University for 13 years. He and his wife Jennifer have two daughters ages 19 and 22.
The new chief's contract is set to be presented to the Huntington Beach City Council for approval on Nov. 4. He is expected to start work in mid-December.
