Scottsdale has narrowed its city-manager search down to three finalists and the City Council is poised to consider an offer to its top choice later this month.
The city had 55 applications submitted through its nationwide recruiting effort.
The finalists are Jim Colson, city manager of Topeka, Kan., Orlando Sanchez, deputy city manager of Las Vegas, and Jeff Nichols, Scottsdale city treasurer and chief financial officer.
Colson has been the top administrator in Topeka since August 2012. He was a deputy city manger in Glendale, Ariz., from 2009-12. Colson has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University, a master’s degree in theology from Western Seminary, and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan.
Sanchez has been deputy city manager for of Las Vegas since May 2006. He oversees public works, building and safety, planning and business license, operations and maintenance, detention and enforcement, and fire and rescue departments.
Sanchez has more than 27 years of experience with the city of Las Vegas, starting there as a development analyst in 1988. Sanchez has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from New Mexico State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
Nichols was appointed Scottsdale city treasurer in October 2013. His previous positions include vice president and chief financial officer of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, accounting director for city of Scottsdale, and deputy director/controller for the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department. Nichols has a bachelor’s degree in business administration
The finalists were selected after a series of reviews and background checks,. They will meet with city executives and City Council members will interview them June 15-16.
The City Council will host a special public meeting June 16 during which each candidate will make a brief presentation and answer questions from the council. After that, the council may extend a job offer to their top choice.
A new city manager will replace Fritz Behring, who reached a settlement in May with the City Council after a long absence for medical issues. Behring was hired in 2013.
