Five finalists will continue forward in the city of Scottsdale’s search for its next city manager. The finalists were selected from a pool of 89 applicants after a series of preliminary interviews and background checks.
They will be interviewed by City Council members 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 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.
John Kross, Town Manager, Town of Queen Creek, Arizona
John Kross has been town manager for the town of Queen Creek since June 2006. He oversees the town’s 240 employees, its $184 million budget and its daily operations. He previously served as Queen Creek’s assistant town manager and community development director. He has 27 years of experience in local government with six different cities. Mr. Kross has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Ripon College, a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University and is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association.
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.
Ronald L. Olson, previous City Manager, City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Ronald L. Olson was city manager for the city of Corpus Christi from May 2011 to June 2016 where he oversaw 3,245 employees, an $841 million operating budget and the city’s daily operations. Prior to that he spent four years as county administrator for Polk County, Iowa. Mr. Olson has more than 37 years of experience in local government, including serving as city manager in five different cities. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management/political science and a master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University, and is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association.
Brian K. Biesemeyer, Scottsdale’s water director, has served as acting city manager since June 2015 after then City Manager Fritz Behring took extended medical leave, and was subsequently dismissed by the City Council.
