City Manager

City values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, Innovation

Form of Governance & Duties

The City of Aspen operates under a City Manager form of government. The City Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Manager’s Office is responsible for ensuring the public receives excellent customer service by providing guidance and support to all City departments, and by assisting City Council in defining and meeting their collective goals.

City Manager's Office Team:

Sara Ott, City Manager (she/her) 

Sara Ott is the City Manager for the City of Aspen, Colorado since 2019. She oversees $120M in annual government operations through a diverse series of community services and capital projects ranging from renewal energy utilities, downtown vitality, affordable housing development, community development, parks and recreation, police, public transit, and more. Before joining Aspen’s management team, she spent 18 years as a public servant in various Midwest local governments.

Sara has a master of public administration degree from the University of Kansas and a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University.  She is also a certified public manager by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and Director of the Colorado Insurance Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA). 

When Sara is not in the office, you can find her with her husband, children, and dog taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor amenities in the Rocky Mountains.

Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager (she/her) 

Diane Foster is the Assistant City Manager and has been in this role since 2020. The Assistant City Manager directly oversees the Wheeler Opera House, Parks and Recreation, Kids First, and Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA). 

Diane and her husband moved to Aspen from Park City, Utah, where Diane served as City Manager for seven years. She loves snowboarding and camping, and you will find her most weekends on the slopes or at a campsite.

Scott Miller, Public Works Director (he/him)

Scott Miller is the Aspen Public Works Director and has worked at the City of Aspen since 2008. The Public Works Director oversees Capital Asset, Engineering, Streets, Parking, Transportation, and Affordable Housing Development.

Scott and his wife live on Cemetery Lane with their cat. Scott enjoys time with family, biking the Rio Grande Trail, and telling jokes.

Tyler Christoff was appointed Deputy Public Works Director in 2022 and has more than 18 years of experience at the City of Aspen, including transportation construction, engineering, project management, water, and electric utility management. He most recently served as Utilities Director. 

Alissa Farrell, Administrative Services Director (she/her) 

Alissa Farrell is the Administrative Services Director and has worked with the City of Aspen since 2004. The Administrative Services Director oversees Human Resources, City Clerk, Information Technology, Communications, Risk Management, and Strategy and Innovation departments at the City.

Alissa and her son live in the downtown core and are true outdoor enthusiasts. You can find them on the slopes, mountain bike trails, skate parks, or running around various hiking trails with their dog. 

Jenn Ooton, Sr. Project Manager (she/her)

Jenn Ooton is the Sr. Project Manager in the City Manager's Office. She works directly with the City Manager and her team on focused projects that enhance the mission and values of the City of Aspen. Jenn came to the City of Aspen in 2022 from the City of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where she served as Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director. Jenn was named the 2020 Assistant City Manager of the Year by the Colorado City and County Management Association.


Click the link to review the City of Aspen Organizational Chart.