Asheville City Council narrows field in City Manager search

During their Sept. 25 meeting, under closed session, Asheville City Council narrowed the City Manager candidate pool down from 13 to 6 semifinalists.

Council will conducted face-to-face interviews with those semifinalists on Oct. 4 and 5.

An opportunity for a public meet and greet during the final rounds of interviews is planned, which is expected to be mid-October. Details will be announced.

City Council invited 12 community members to participate in the search for City Manager by providing input and perspective on a list of candidates. Ten of those members accepted and are listed here:

  • Terry Bellamy
  • Kit Cramer
  • Marc Hunt
  • Kim McGuire
  • Sala Merritt
  • Vicki Meath
  • Elaine Poovey
  • Djuana Swann
  • Carmen Ramos-Kennedy
  • Roxanne Wynne

These community members will serve in an advisory role to Council in the City Manager search.

On March 20, Asheville City Council announced that City Manager Gary Jackson would no longer be with the City. Assistant City Manager Cathy Ball was named as Interim City Manager until a new city manager is selected.

Shortly thereafter, the City selected a Springsted Waters recruiting firm to help with the search for a new Asheville City Manager. The City has had 70 applicants for the job.

In July, the search advanced with the development of a brochure to be used as recruitment tool and job description. To read the recruitment brochure, visit this link.

The brochure was developed after the City solicited input from residents on what qualities and qualifications they would like to see in Asheville’s next City Manager. As part of that public process, the City held four meetings and an online survey to gather this input.

Council-manager form of government

The City of Asheville uses a council-manager form of local government, under which elected City Council members are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Asheville, and who hire a City Manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are equitably served.

The City Manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services.

Timeline

Here is the most recent timeline for hiring Asheville’s next City Manager:

  •         Candidate screening, July 30-Aug. 3
  •         Candidate assessment, Aug. 3-Sept. 17
  •         City Council selection of finalists: Sept. 25 Council meeting
  •         Interviews: Oct. 1-19
  •         Candidate selection: Oct. 29-Nov. 5
  •         Announcement of new City Manager: Nov. 5-12
  •         City Manager begins work: December/January

For more information including supporting documents related to the City Manager search, visit this link.

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