Four finalists named for Whitefish city manager job

The city of Whitefish has narrowed its list of prospects to four finalists for City Manager Chuck Stearns’ replacement.

Stearns is retiring as Whitefish’s chief administrative officer at the end of the year after serving the city for eight years.

The city received 29 applications for the manager position. Finalists include Ken Decker, county administrator for Caroline County, Maryland; Dara MacDonald, former city administrator for Salida, Colorado; Edwin Meece, former city manager for Livingston; and Chuck Winn, assistant city manager for Bozeman.

The Whitefish City Council, a community interview committee and a staff interview committee will conduct in-person interviews on Friday, Sept. 16, at times yet to be determined, at the interim City Hall, 1005 Baker Ave.

Mayor John Muhlfeld and council members will hold a closed session on either Sept. 16 or 19 to determine the top candidate.

Decker has worked for Caroline County, Maryland, for five years as the county administrator. He is a Libby native and Libby High School graduate and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and journalism and a Master of Public Administration degree. Decker is an International City/County Management Association-credentialed manager. Before his tenure with Caroline County, Decker worked for the town of Hampstead, Maryland, for 12 years as town manager.

MacDonald last worked for Salida as city administrator. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Western philosophy and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. MacDonald also worked as the community development director for the city of Salida for seven years and also has worked for the town of Frisco, Colorado, and the city of Bozeman.

Meece last worked for Livingston as city manager. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree. Before his employment with Livingston, Meece worked for Louisville-Jefferson County Metro as the assistant director public works and has held multiple city administrator and management positions.

Winn has worked for the city of Bozeman for 32 years, the last eight years as assistant city manager. He spent most of his career with the Bozeman Fire Department as the chief, assistant director of public safety, deputy chief/fire marshal and as a firefighter. Winn attended Montana State University, where he studied sociology and criminal justice.

Stearns took over as Whitefish city manager in December 2008, replacing Gary Marks. His career in local government spans more than three decades.

During his time in Whitefish, the city has dealt with several major projects, including the reconstruction of Central Avenue and Second Street and completion of the Emergency Services Center. Stearns was a leader in the city’s decision to establish a conservation easement to protect the city’s water source in Haskill Basin. He also has been involved with the construction of a new City Hall and parking structure that is now underway.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.