The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Council hopes to extend an offer this week to Joseph, MacDonald or Henderson
By Mark Reaman
The Crested Butte Town Council has narrowed the search for its town manager down to three finalists. All three are from Colorado, but no local candidate made the final cut.
Current Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) executive director Scott Truex was expected to be a heavy favorite for the job, but he withdrew his name from consideration.
“After lots of thought and discussions with my family about the possibility of changing careers, I came to better realize that I am very happy right where I am,” Truex explained. “I have always loved working for the RTA and find it to be very fulfilling. I am grateful for the support of our community and the opportunities I have been afforded here. I am proud of everything we have accomplished at the RTA so far and I look forward to what we will do in the future.”
The final three applicants include Rob Joseph, the assistant city manager of Montrose; Dara MacDonald, who most recently was the city administrator of Salida; and Bentley Henderson, the current county administrator for Archuleta County, where Pagosa Springs is located. The resumes of all three candidates are posted on the Crested Butte town website.
“We are lucky to have three very qualified final candidates for this job,” said mayor Glenn Michel. “They are all from Colorado and all have experience in mountain resort communities. Ideally we would have loved a qualified local in the position, but I think we all feel good about the three who have shown experience, talent and desire to be a good fit for Crested Butte. We hope to meet them all face-to-face this week and put out an offer very soon.”
The town received 55 applications for the position.
The final three began intensive interviews with staff, the public and Town Council on Wednesday, August 17. They will conclude the process Thursday afternoon. Council hopes to reach a consensus and make a job offer by Monday.
