Press Release

City of Aspen appoints Pete Strecker as interim city manager

ASPEN, CO – The city of Aspen has named Pete Strecker, the city’s longtime finance director, as interim city manager following the resignation of Sara Ott in February.

Aspen City Council on Monday, March 17, voted 5-0 to appoint Strecker. Deputy City Manager Diane Foster has been acting city manager since Ott’s resignation, which was effective Feb. 28.

Strecker brings more than two decades of experience in state and local government, along with a strong background in financial leadership and economic forecasting.

Strecker has served as Aspen’s finance director since 2018, overseeing the city’s financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. He originally joined the city in 2012 as assistant finance director after relocating to the Roaring Fork Valley. 

Before his tenure in Aspen, he held key roles in state government, including budget director for Colorado’s Health Care Policy and Financing (Medicaid) and Agriculture departments, as well as chief of economic forecasting under Gov. Bill Ritter Jr.

“Pete’s deep knowledge of municipal operations, combined with his extensive leadership experience in both state and local government, makes him well-suited to guide Aspen through this transition,” said Aspen Mayor Torre. “We are confident in his ability to provide steady leadership as we begin the search for a permanent city manager and have the confidence in the strength of the rest of the team that will be supporting him during the interim period.”

A mathematician by training, Strecker earned his degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Early in his career, he worked as an actuary, consulting on pension plans for large corporations before transitioning to public service.

“I’m honored to step into this role and serve Aspen in a new capacity,” Strecker said. “I look forward to working alongside city staff, elected officials, and residents to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for Aspen with the organization’s values of stewardship, innovation, partnership and service as a top priority.”

Strecker and his wife moved to Aspen in 2011 with their two daughters to be closer to family, as well as to enjoy the quality of life that comes with living in the mountains and being surrounded by the area’s strong sense of community, access to the outdoors, and rich arts and cultural scene.

The city will begin the search process for a permanent city manager in the coming months. In the meantime, Strecker will work closely with city leadership to maintain continuity and advance key initiatives.

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For more information, please contact:
Pete Strecker, director of finance
(970) 920-5057
pete.strecker@aspen.gov
Carolyn Sackariason, communications manager
(970) 319-2791
Carolyn.sackariason@aspen.gov