City of Aspen Hires Peckham & McKenney to Conduct National Search for New City Manager
Contact: Alissa Farrell, HR Director/Interim Assistant City Manager, 970-920-5743 or alissa.farrell@cityofaspen.com
Aspen, CO – April 17, 2019 – The City of Aspen is pleased to announce it has selected executive search firm Peckham & McKenney to conduct the recruitment for a new City Manager. Peckham & McKenney was chosen from seven firms that submitted responses to the City’s request for proposals.
Peckham & McKenney has managed hundreds of successful executive recruitments throughout the western US. Throughout its history, the firm has placed nearly 200 City Manager or similar positions and has a proven track record in serving resort and mountain communities.
“Peckham & McKenney’s representative in Colorado had a great understanding of Aspen and our particular needs when it comes to hiring a new City Manager, said Mayor Steve Skadron. “The firm also has a solid track record of delivering outstanding results to other local governments in mountain resort communities looking for similar positions.”
Mayor Steve Skadron, along with Council member Ward Hauenstein, Interim Deputy HR Director, Courtney DeVito, and Interim Assistant City Manager/HR Director Alissa Farrell were on the sub-committee that created the requests for proposals and selected Peckham & McKenney as the top choice from seven responding firms.
In the last several years, Peckham & McKenney has recruited Colorado town managers for Basalt, Telluride, Winter Park, and Windsor. In addition to the firm’s understanding of the state, success in resort communities, its robust recruitment services and national focus were also selling points for the subcommittee. The primary recruiter for Aspen search is Drew Gorgey, who served in Colorado government for nearly 20 years, including as County Manager and Attorney for Garfield County before working for Peckham & McKenney. He is located in Glenwood Springs.
“It’s important as we move forward that we continue to execute a transparent process for the community and City staff,” said Interim Assistant City Manager Alissa Farrell. “We believe that Peckham & McKenney, along with our internal team, which will include members of the incoming Council, will offer the community opportunities for meaningful input during the hiring process.”
An overview of the recruitment and selection process to City Council will be presented on Tuesday, April 23 at 4pm at a work session. All are welcome to attend. The meeting will also be broadcast on CGTV Channel 11, Facebook, and archived on the City’s website. For updates on the City Manager recruitment, visit https://www.cityofaspen.com/156/City-Manager.
The contract with Peckham & McKenney is for $25,000 with the option for more expansive community engagement initiatives above the initial agreement for an additional cost.