Tippin joined the City of Redding in 2004 as Assistant Director of Development Services (often associated with engineering roles). He progressed to Director of the Transportation and Engineering Department, then to Director of Redding Electric Utility (REU). In early 2017, he advanced to Assistant City Manager, and later that year was appointed interim City Manager before becoming permanent City Manager. This career spanned over 21 years of service.

On December 3, 2025, the Redding City Council convened to appoint new leaders following the conclusion of Mayor Jack Munns's one-year term. In a 4-1 vote, council member Mike Littau, a local insurance agent, was selected as the new mayor. Dr. Paul Dhanuka was named vice mayor, and Aaron Resner was appointed mayor pro tempore. The process, which extended over 45 minutes, devolved into heated arguments about the proper method for selecting the mayor.