Government Market News StaffOregon – The city of Portland has appointed Ryan Singer as the new principal planner for the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS). Singer is leaving his previous position as the senior director of pipeline and public review in New York City.
California – Scott McBride is the new city manager for the city of Merced. After a unanimous vote on Sept. 18, McBride will officially begin his appointment on Nov. 16. He will leave his current position as the community development director in the city of Atwater, where he also served as the director and interim city manager over the past six months.
Arkansas – The city of Texarkana appointed Robert Thompson as their new city manager. He succeeds City Manager Jay Ellington following their resignation earlier this year. Thompson previously served the city of DeFuniak Springs, Fla. as their city manager. He began his new position on Sept. 18.
California – After a unanimous recommendation from key stakeholder groups, Imelda M. Huerta has been promoted to assistant city manager for the city of Vista. With 23 years of service in the public sector, Huerta has extensive experience holding multiple public positions. Her most recent position was as the city’s assistant to City Manager John Conley.
Illinois – John Schlaf has been named Galesburg’s interim city manager. Schlaf served in Galesburg’s police department for 40 years, including 17 as police chief. He has also worked for Knox College and served on the Galesburg Downtown Council and Knox County Mental Health Board. City officials are still looking for a permanent city manager.
North Carolina – The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners named Melissa Moore as the county’s finance director. The county had been working under an interim finance director since February.
Oklahoma – Bill Patterson, CEO and publisher of the Denton Record-Chronicle, Denton County Magazine and DRC digital marketing services, was elected trustee chair. Patterson has served on numerous boards throughout North Texas and Denton County, including the Denton Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Denton County.
North Carolina – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees elected John Preyer as board chair. Preyer has served on the board since 2019, including two years as vice chair. Preyer is co-founder and president of Restoration Systems, specializing in wetland, stream, nutrient and habitat mitigation. He replaces David Boliek Jr., who has been chair since 2019 and will continue to serve on the board.
Virginia – Dr. Sharon Stanislas has been named superintendent of Lunenburg County Public Schools. She has been Acting Superintendent since August. Stanislas has been with the school system since 2006, including as principal of two schools and director of secondary curriculum and instruction.
Florida – Col. Robert Long was appointed president and CEO of Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency of the State of Florida. Long has an extensive background in the military and space industry, having most recently served as Commander at Space Launch Delta 30 and Western Launch and Test Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
New Hampshire – Laconia city officials have hired Kathy Menici as city planner. Menici has been the city’s acting city planner since May. Menici has over 35 years of experience as a municipal planner in towns throughout New Hampshire.
Indiana – Ross Hilleary is the new director of planning and zoning for the city of Fishers. He had been the department’s assistant director. Hilleary also serves as the city’s ADA Coordinator and is a mayoral appointment to the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission.
