The Scottsdale City Council will interview three finalists for the vacant city manager position after two candidates withdrew from consideration earlier this week.
On Friday the city announced five finalists moving forward, but subsequently received notice that Ronald L. Olson, former city manager in Corpus Christi, Texas, and John Kross, the current city manager in Queen Creek, Arizona, have withdrawn from the process.
The remaining finalists will be interviewed by City Council members, tour the city and meet the city’s executive team Nov. 9 and 10.
The City Council will host a special public meeting Nov. 10 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.
The finalists that will be interviewed are:
Konrad Hildebrandt, Assistant City Manager, City of Odessa, Texas
Konrad Hildebrandt has been assistant city manager for the city of Odessa since March 2014. He oversees administrative services including budget and finance, purchasing and procurement, risk management and employee health & wellness. He previously spent 10 years as city manager of the city of Cedar Hills, Utah and has 27 years of experience in local government with four different cities. Mr. Hildebrandt has a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University.
Gary M. Luebbers, previous City Manager, City of Sunnyvale, California
Gary M. Luebbers was city manager for the city of Sunnyvale from 2008 to 2013 where he oversaw the city’s 1000 employees, $300 million budget and its daily operations. He previously spent eight years as city manager for the city of West Jordan, Utah, and has more than 20 years of experience as a city manager in three cities. Mr. Luebbers has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Culver-Stockton College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.
Jeffery M. Nichols, City Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, City of Scottsdale, Arizona
Jeff Nichols was appointed Scottsdale city treasurer in October 2013, where he oversees the accounting, budget, business services, finance and risk management departments. 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. Mr. Nichols has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Central Michigan University, and he is a certified public accountant.
Scottsdale’s city manager position has been vacant since June 2015. Scottsdale Water Director Brian K. Biesemeyer has been serving as acting city manager since then, but is not a candidate for the position fulltime.
