Congratulations to Recent Placements!

Peckham & McKenney is proud to announce the following executive placements and wishes these outstanding candidates and our clients the very best in the future.

Shawn Cordsen, Finance Director, Winter Park, CO
Shawn’s recent MBA degree plus his broad experience with the Aurora Public Schools, Arapahoe County, and most recently the Town of Castle Rock was the combination that the Town of Winter Park was looking for. His enthusiasm for his work and the mountains and his open communication style will serve him well in Winter Park.

Lisa Rolan, Director of Financial Services, Steamboat Springs, CO
Congratulations to Lisa for winning over the City of Steamboat Springs with her enthusiasm and southern charm. Having served the cities of Destin, Florida and Columbia, South Columbia as their Finance Directors, she brings a wealth of experience to Steamboat Springs. Lisa is truly a people person and will make a positive impact on this mountain community.

Philo Shelton, Director of Public Works, Steamboat Springs, CO
Moving up from the City of Black Hawk, where Philo served as Public Works Director for seven years, Steamboat Springs presents a new realm of challenges for this problem solver. His Master’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering will serve him well in this environmentally conscious community as will his broad knowledge base and extensive contacts throughout the state of Colorado .

Mike Konefal, City Administrator, Fort Lupton, CO
Mike’s strong background in planning and community development was exactly what the City of Fort Lupton was looking for. Coming from Florida, having worked with Charlotte County and the City of Gulfport, gave Mike significant experience in working with the challenges of growing communities. His MBA and supervisory background will help lead this City as it grows into the future.

Mark Miller, Fire Chief, Vail, CO
With 28 years of experience, having moved up through the ranks of the Loveland Fire and Rescue Department to become their Chief and having served as the Fire Chief for the Hartford, Vermont Fire Department, Mark brings a solid leadership style to the Vail Fire Department. As the Vail Department grows and reacts to the unprecedented amount of redevelopment taking place in the Vail Valley, taking the Department to the next level will surely keep Mark challenged for many years.

Ron LeBlanc, City Manager, Durango, CO
A solid professional, Ron brings city management experience from all four time zones in the US to the City of Durango. Having served most recently as City Administrator for the City of Ketchum, Idaho Ron is familiar with the challenges of managing a full service city such as Durango. His MPA from CU Boulder and his extensive contacts throughout the profession will help him in leading the management team of the City of Durango.

Sally Vecchio, Director of Community Development & Housing, Mountain Village, CO
Sally’s background in planning and development, both for the public and private sectors, plus her Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning as well as her Law degree was the combination of experience the Town of Mountain Village thought would serve them best. Her recent work with a national multi-family development and construction company with several projects in the Denver area gave her the edge as far as the selection committee was concerned.

Rod Branyan, Director of Health and Human Services, Washington County, OR
Rod began his career with Washington County over 22 years ago and served as interim director of the Health and Human Services Department for the County before being selected as Director. His collaborative and participatory management style has helped lead the Department to where it is widely respected for its leadership role in the community and the state.

Curtis Aaron, General Manager/CEO, North Tahoe Public Utility District, CA
Curtis is an outdoors enthusiast and former Public Works Director from the City of Fontana. He was selected for his experience in seeing projects through to completion, cost-effectively and within budget. With the number of infrastructure projects on the horizon for the District, it was imperative that they find someone with as much experience in project implementation as Curtis, and his personalbe leadership style is a plus.

Shawn Nau, County Manager, County of La Plata, CO
Having served Maricopa County (Phoenix Arizona) as their Director of General Government Services and before that as their Director of Human Resources prepared Shawn for the challenges facing La Plata County. The County Commissioners voted unanimously to select Shawn as their next County Manager, citing his legal degree and leadership abilities as his most significant strengths.

Ron Hopp, Executive Director, Foothills Park and Recreation District, CO
With an MPA and 20 years service to the community of Council Bluffs, Iowa Ron brings a wealth of experience in the recreation and park industry to the Foothills Park and Recreation District. His operational expertise as well as his financial acumen was what put him over the top for the District’s Board of Directors.

Richard Appicello, City Attorney, City of Ashland, OR
Congratulations to Richard on his recent appointment by Ashland Mayor John Morrison. Richard's experience as a government attorney spans 19 years, during which time he served as City Attorney in St. Helens, OR; Acting County Counsel in Benton County, OR; and Assistant County Attorney in Osceola County and Martin County, FL. He was hired as Ashland Assistant City Attorney in September 2006 and has served as Interim City Attorney for seven months.

Karen Brust, City Manager, City of Del Mar, CA
Del Mar Mayor Carl Hilliard announced the appointment of Karen Brust as Del Mar’s new City Manager. “Ms. Brust is coming to us directly from one of the largest organizations in San Diego County ,” added Deputy Mayor Dave Druker, “where she has had extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, public relations and customer service. Her extensive and deep background in municipal government, and particularly municipal finance, will serve her well in Del Mar.” Karen has served the San Diego County Water Authority as their Director of Finance/Treasurer since 1998. Before that, she served as Director of Finance in Gardena , California for 4 years and Director of Finance for the City of South Gate, California for 3 years. Congratulations Karen!

Jacque Wedding-Scott, City Manager, City of Centennial, CO
Congratulations to Jacque Wedding-Scott on her appointment as City Manager for the City of Centennial . Although she hadn’t applied, her performance as Acting City Manager demonstrated to the Mayor, City Council, and Staff that she was the right person for the job. In the early stages of the recruitment process we suggested to the Mayor that the Council be consulted, and based on the results of that discussion, that a dialogue with Jacque be started. It obviously worked in that she was unanimously selected as their next City Manager!

Julie L. Brown, Finance Director, City of Durango, CO
Having worked for the City of Durango since 2002, and most recently as their Accounting Manager, proved to be the key in Julie Brown’s selection as the City of Durango ’s next Finance Director. Julie has lived in Durango for more than 20 years and brings an awareness of, and passion for, the community that will serve her well in her new role. Having been an incremental part of the award winning Finance Department provided her with valuable knowledge that will help her lead this department into the future. Congratulations to Julie!

Greg Jones, City Manager, City of Hayward , CA
Formerly the City Manager for the City of Chico, Jones is looking forward to working with the City Council and the organization to build on the successes already achieved by the City of Hayward. Greg has been with the City of Chico since 2004, serving first as Assistant City Manager and then City Manager. He previously served as Assistant City Manager in Concord, California prior to moving to Chico.

Marilyn Crane, Information Technology Services Director, City of Fremont , CA
Congratulations to Marilyn on her selection to be the City of Fremont ’s next Information Technology Services Director. Marilyn brings with her a thorough knowledge of the public sector environment, multiple technology disciplines, and project management skills. Having worked in the public sector for over 20 years, primarily at Sunnyvale , Marilyn has been recognized for her flexibility and adaptability, and her excellent organizational, communication, and decision making skills.

David Torgler, Town Manager, Town of Winter Park, CO
Dave comes from the City of Burlington, Wisconsin where he served as City Administrator for eight years. He brings strong experience in the areas of strategic planning, capital improvement projects, economic development, and organizational development. As an active outdoor enthusiast Dave will surely enjoy his time off in Winter Park . Congratulations, Dave!

Joe Hoefgen, City Manager, City of Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Congratulations to Joe on his appointment as City Manager to the beautiful community of Palos Verdes Estates! Joe brings proven experience and understanding of the unique nature and character of a community that has a strong sense of preservation. Joe previously served the City of Del Mar for 15 years, 11 of which as Assistant City Manager.

Chris Jeffers, City Manager, City of Glendora, CA
Chris comes from the City of Monterey Park, where he served for 23 years, the last 16 as City Manager. He brings significant experience to the City of Glendora in the areas of economic development, fiscal planning, and infrastructure improvement. Congratulations, Chris!

Rob White, Economic Development Director, City of Livermore, CA
Rob was recently selected by City Manager Linda Barton to join the City's Leadership Team and continue efforts to enhance Livermore's economic vitality through redevelopment planning, business attraction and retention, and downtown revitalization. Rob formerly served the County of Sacramento as Deputy Director for the Department of Economic Development and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Greg Sparks, Town Manager, Town of Mountain Village , CO
A veteran municipal manager with over twenty-six years experience in Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, and Minnesota Greg Sparks brings a wealth of relevant knowledge to the Town of Mountain Village, Colorado. He and his wife have always enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle which includes year around camping, backpacking, and skiing in the San Juan’s, so there is no doubt that they’ll enjoy the mountain living lifestyle this opportunity presents. Congratulations to Greg!

George Ruther, Director of Community Development, Vail, CO
Moving up from Acting Director of Community Development and Chief of Planning to Director of Community Development for the Town of Vail, Colorado is a natural step for George, bringing a 13 year career path within the Vail Community Development Department to the top position within the department. Having demonstrated his ability to pull together diverse interests for the collective good of the community will continue to serve the Vail community even more so given George’s new opportunity to lead the department. We wish George continued success!

Jeff Daugherty, Director of Planning and Development, Teton County, WY
Congratulations to Jeff Daugherty on becoming Teton County, Wyoming’s next Director of Planning and Development. Formerly Salt Lake County, Utah’s Director of Planning and Development Services, Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the issues impacting the Jackson Hole valley and looks forward to working in one of the most desired communities in all of Wyoming.

Kelly Arnold, Town Manager, Town of Windsor, CO
Having served over 25 years in the public sector, Kelly Arnold brings a wealth of experience to the Town of Windsor.  He also grew up in the area and attended Colorado State University, giving him a personal understanding of the culture of the region.  Kelly and his family are looking forward to becoming a part of this wonderful community and we wish him the best.

Mark Lewis, Redevelopment Administrator, City of Reno, NV
Having previously served as City Manager and Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency for the City of Stockton, California, Mark Lewis brings a wealth of experience to the management team of the City of Reno.  His strong economic development experience and redevelopment success in a variety of settings closely matched City Manager Charles McNeeley's desired qualifications for the position.  Congratulations to Mark and the City of Reno.

Tom Williams, City Manager, City of Milpitas, CA
Having already demonstrated his management skills and abilities as the City of Milpitas' Planning and Neighborhood Services Director, Tom Williams was selected as City Manager for the City of Milpitas.  He survived a comprehensive and thorough application process and we wish him the best as Milpitas' new City Manager.

Russell Forrest, Town Manager, Town of Snowmass Village, CO
Congratulations to Russell Forrest for being selected from a very competitive pool of candidates to serve as the Town of Snowmass Village's next Town Manager.  Previously Vail's Director of Community Development, Russell seemed ideally suited for the position because of his style and his desire to build consensus and bring the community together on some tough issues. 

Blair Leist, Senior Planner, Teton County, WY   
Blair's professional career in planning, government administration, and community development fit perfectly with Teton County 's desired qualifications for this position.  Blair brings to Teton County a wide range of experience in the area of rural community development that will serve the Jackson Hole region well.

Laurie Kadrich, Assistant City Manager, City of Grand Junction, CO
Congratulations to Laurie Kadrich for being selected to serve with newly appointed City Manager David Varley as the number two person in Grand Junction.  Laurie was selected from the pool of candidates originally for the City Manager opportunity, and her experience in city governments in the Rocky Mountain West coupled with her enthusiasm for living in the west makes her a wonderful addition to the City of Grand Junction 's management team.

Sara Isgur, Senior Redevelopment Services Manager, City of Seaside, CA
Sara Isgur brings over 15 years of experience in California redevelopment agencies, and over 20 years experience in planning, development, and redevelopment that will serve the City of Seaside well in the years to come.  Her years as a consultant are a plus too in that it gives her “both sides of the table” experience that is relevant to her work in the high growth City of Seaside.  Congratulations to Sara Isgur and the City of Seaside.

Don Blubaugh, City Manager, City of Martinez, CA
Congratulations to Don, who chose to leave retirement in order to contribute his outstanding background and experience to Martinez as the City Council addresses issues relating to the City’s downtown revitalization and economic development. Don formerly served as City Manager for the City of Walnut Creek for over 14 years and previously served as City Manager for the City of Hayward.

Karen Majors, Assistant City Manager – Community & Economic Development, City of Martinez, CA
Having previously served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Oakley, Karen brings extensive experience in the areas of community development, economic development, and redevelopment to the City of Martinez. Congratulations, Karen!

Enrique Martinez, City Manager, City of Redlands, CA
Enrique’s wealth of experience is well suited to address Redland’s current and future challenges. The Redlands City Council is looking forward to working with Enrique in leading the City into a healthy and prosperous future in the years ahead. Congratulations, Enrique!

Jim Schutz, Assistant City Manager, City of San Rafael, CA
Jim has recently been selected by City Manager Ken Nordhoff to join the San Rafael team. Jim began his career in redevelopment with the City of Pinole and later became Manager of Planning and Development for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency. Most recently, Jim has served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Pinole.

Debra Auker, Director of Finance, City of Hayward, CA
Debra’s professional career spans over 15 years in both the private and public sector. Early in her career, Debra was associated with a private consulting firm where she headed a regional office and performed a variety of management and financial reviews and audits. She then became Assistant Finance Director for the City of Belmont. From 2001 until recently, she worked in the City of Half Moon Bay where she served in multiple capacities, initially as Finance Director and later as City Manager. Congratulations, Debra!

Barbara Nelson, Senior Planning Services Manager, City of Seaside, CA
Barbara Nelson was recently selected as the City of Seaside's new Senior Planning Services Manager. With over 25 years' experience, the majority being in Pacific Grove, Barbara brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts in the Peninsula Region to the table immediately. 

Tim Jackman, Chief of Police, City of Santa Monica, CA
Following a nationwide search, Tim was selected among 7 finalists as Santa Monica's new Chief of Police. A 23-year veteran of the Long Beach Police Department and deputy chief for the past four years, Tim will take charge of the Santa Monica Police Department on December 11, 2006. Congratulations Tim!

David Stalheim, Community Development Director, City of Ashland, OR
Congratulations to David Stalheim! David has been selected as Community Development Director for the City of Ashland, Oregon. David brings over 20 years in the planning industry having served as Planning Director for Clallam County, WA; Service Development Manager for Link Transit in Wenatchee, WA; and most recently, Community Development Director for the City of Wenatchee, WA.

Anna Jatczak, Assistant City Administrator, City of Gilroy, CA
Anna competed with an outstanding group of candidates and was recently selected to join Gilroy's team by Jay Baksa, City Administrator.  Anna brings a breadth of experience with over 16 years with the City of San Jose, most recently as the Deputy Director, Central Services, in the Department of General Services.  Jay Baksa and the team in Gilroy heartily welcome Anna!

Fran David, Assistant City Manager, City of Hayward, CA
Fran was recently selected by City Manager Jesús Armas to serve in the role of Assistant City Manager. With over twenty years of service in local government, including working for the cities of Berkeley, Oakland, Daly City and Pittsburg, Fran brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in managing municipal organizations. For the last ten years, Ms. David has served as the Finance Director with the City of Berkeley.

June Catalano, City Manager, City of Pleasant Hill, CA
June Catalano, City Manager, City of Pleasant Hill, CA Formerly City Manager of the City of Martinez, June was selected from a very competitive group of finalists for the position of Pleasant Hill City Manager. She will be joining an outstanding Executive Team and staff in Pleasant Hill following the Labor Day holiday. The City Council is delighted to welcome June to the community. Congratulations, June!

Andrea Olsen, Financial Services Manager, City of Seaside, CA
With over 15 years of extensive accounting experience Andrea Olsen has started as the Financial Services Manager for the City of Seaside, a newly created position. Her experience is principally derived from having worked for the Diocese of Monterey and The Gap, Inc. A resident of Seaside, Andrea has respect for the fiduciary responsibility invested in her and couples this with a strong sense of moral integrity.

Roberta Greathouse, Personnel Services Manager, City of Seaside, CA
Roberta Greathouse will be joining the City of Seaside as their Personnel Services Manager late this summer. Having worked up through the ranks at the City of Monterey, Roberta was most recently the Administrative Analyst for the City of Monterey's Fire Department and is proud for always producing a high quality work product, meeting all deadlines, and bringing a positive attitude to the workplace.

James R. Hyde, Chief of Police, City of Antioch, CA
Former City of Davis Police Chief James R. Hyde has begun his work with the City of Antioch. Chief Hyde is a twenty-six year law enforcement veteran with a record of proven innovative law enforcement success. He will partner with the City of Antioch and its residents to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life.

Dennis Graham, Chief of Police, City of Milpitas, CA
Dennis Graham, a twenty-four year veteran of the Milpitas Police Department who has dedicated his entire law enforcement career to the City of Milpitas, has been selected as the departments' next Chief of Police. His management and leadership experience is deep and wide, with outstanding accomplishments in budgeting, grants, disciplinary issues, labor relations, and community crime prevention.

Kristin Cofer-Larsen, Assistant Finance Director, City of Rancho Cordova, CA
Congratulations to Kristin as she joins the team in Rancho Cordova. Kristin formerly served as Controller for the California Bay Delta Authority and brings 25 years of experience to the position.

Jeff Mathieu, City Manager, City of Big Bear Lake, CA
Jeff formerly served as Director of Resource Management for the City of Santa Monica, also serving as airport director, harbor master and overseeing redevelopment. Mathieu helped Santa Monica develop retail, restaurant and entertainment venues at the Santa Monica Pier, expand the farmer's market program, and helped increase tax revenue for the city's redevelopment agency. In a press release issued by the City, Mayor Bill Jahn said, "Mathieu's areas of expertise and prominent background make him the ideal candidate to govern the city's administration and handle future projects down the pipeline."

Susan Daluddung, Community & Economic Development Director, City of Hayward, CA
Recently selected by City Manager, Jesús Armas, Susan brings extensive experience in planning and community development, having served as Community Development Director with the City of Ventura, CA, as well as previously with the cities of Springfield and Portland, OR. Susan joins the Hayward Executive Team as Peckham & McKenney's third new placement in ongoing recruitments of retiring department heads.

Bruce Goitia , Chief of Police, City of Menlo Park, CA
Congratulations to Bruce Goitia, newly appointed Chief of Police for the City of Menlo Park. The former Menlo Park Police Commander is an experienced leader with expertise in staff development through mentoring, coaching and employee recognition. Well rounded skills in patrol, traffic, investigations, and technology helped him secure the top position.

Alan Lanning, City Manager, City of Steamboat Springs, CO
The Steamboat Springs City Council unanimously selected Alan Lanning to serve as the new City Manager. City Council President Ken Brenner praised Mr. Lanning's wide range of knowledge and experience in city government, including but not limited to: historic preservation, Main Street programming, planning, and affordable housing. Mr. Brenner stated "I am confident that Alan Lanning is the person who can help lead the City of Steamboat Springs to the next level.

Roger Fredman, Director of Information Technology Services, Jefferson County, CO
Roger Fredman is now Jefferson County's Director of Information Technology Services. Roger is an Information Technology and business professional with over 15 years of progressive management and 10 years consulting experience. With significant experience in development, operations, networks, telecommunications, and security, Roger is suited to lead Jefferson County in its delivery of information technology services.

Martha Bennett, City Administrator, City of Ashland, OR
Martha Bennett has been selected as Ashland's new City Administrator after a nationwide search. Martha has served as Executive Director for the Columbia River Gorge Commission and previously served the Oregon cities of Milwaukie, Albany, and Portland. Martha is also a second generation local government administrator as her father is Rodger Bennett of Florence, Oregon.

John Lollis, Administrative Services Manager, City of Porterville, CA
Congratulations to John Lollis on his appointment to the position of Administrative Services Manager with the City of Porterville, CA. John previously served as Director of Personnel with the Burton Elementary School District and began his career with the City of Oxnard.

Maria Hurtado, Parks & Community Services Director, City of Tracy, CA
City Manager Dan Hobbs welcomes Maria to join his Executive Team. Maria formerly served as Deputy Director of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department with the City of San Jose. She brings a breadth of experience from the non-profit sector as well as previous experience with the City of Watsonville.

Lynn Tracy-Nerland, City Attorney, City of Antioch, CA
Lynn was selected by the Antioch City Council to follow long-tenured City Attorney, William Galstan. Lynn former served as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Pleasanton, CA.

Holly Brock-Cohn, Human Resources Director, City of Hayward, CA
Holly was recently selected by Hayward City Manager, Jesús Armas, following an extensive recruitment process. She has served as Personnel Director for the City of Antioch since 2002.

Tom Connelly, Police Captain, City of Los Altos, CA
"Following an extensive recruitment and testing process, Acting Police Captain Tom Connelly has today been promoted to the rank of Police Captain. Please join me in congratulating Tom on his well-deserved appointment". Bob Lacey, Chief of Police, City of Los Altos, November 9, 2005.

Lisa Rosenblum, Library Director, City of Hayward, CA
Lisa has served in progressively responsible management positions for the San Jose Public Library System, most recently as Division Manager for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Main Library. She was a key member of the team responsible for planning and implementing the City of San Jose/San Jose State University joint library.

Valentin, Alexeeff, Director, Department of Planning & Development, County of Santa Clara, CA
Valentin formerly served as Director of Planning & Development with the County of Santa Barbara, CA.

Tambri Heyden, Community Development Director, City of San Bruno
Tambri was recently appointed by Connie Jackson, San Bruno City Manager, and formerly served as Acting Planning & Neighborhood Services Director with the City of Milpitas.

Tami Yuki, Human Resources Director, City of San Bruno
Also recently appointed by Connie Jackson, Tami joins the team of San Bruno after having served as Personnel Director with the City of Newark.

Robert Bauman, Public Works Director, City of Hayward
Bob has served the City of Hayward since 1991 as Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer. He was recently appointed to the role of Director by Jesus Armas, City Manager.

Bob Bell, Human Resources Director, City of Redwood City, CA
Bob was recently appointed to the position by City Manager Ed Everett. Bob brings 18 years of HR experience starting in the private sector with the last 9 ½ years in the public sector, most recently as Human Resources Director for the City of Burlingame.

Roy Otto, City Manager, City of Greeley, CO
Roy has served the City of Greeley as Assistant City Manager since 1999 and previously served in executive capacities with the Florida cities of Seminole and St. Petersburg.

Greg Clavier, Deputy Public Works Director, City of Carlsbad
Congratulations to Greg Clavier on his appointment as Deputy Public Works Director, City of Carlsbad. Greg previously served as the City's Facilities Superintendent.

Al Heuton, Executive Director, Brookings Economic Development Corporation
Congratulations to Al Heuton from Gering, Nebraska for being selected as the Brookings Economic Development Corporation's new Executive Director. Having been involved in regional economic development efforts for the last 19 years, Al brings a wealth of experience to the BEDC. Congratulations again Al.

Bill Ray, Deputy City Manager, City of Arvada, CO
Formerly Public Works & Utilities Director, Bill has served the City of Arvada since 2000.

Victoria Runkle, Director of Finance, City of Arvada, CO
Victoria Runkle has been selected as the Director of Finance for the City of Arvada, CO.  Victoria formerly served as Finance & Information Services Administrator with the City of Renton, WA.

Patricia Jakubiak, Treasurer, Orange County Fire Authority, CA
Patricia Jakubiak has been appointed as Treasurer by the Orange County Fire Authority.  Formerly Administrative Manager for the Orange County Public Finance Department, Tricia will be an excellent complement to the OCFA Team.

Dale Foster, Fire Chief, City of Gilroy, CA 
Formerly Assistant Fire Chief for the City of San Jose, Dale served the department since 1972 and brings a well-rounded background that is ideally suited to lead the Gilroy Fire Department.

Donna Langland, Human Resources Director, City of Brookings, SD 
Donna formerly served as Recruiting Coordinator for Daktronics, Inc., in Brookings.

Lori Zeller, Assistant Chief, Business Services; Orange County Fire Authority, formerly serving as Treasurer with the OCFA, Lori successfully competed with six other excellent finalists and was appointed to the position in September 2004.

Joanne Rennie, General Manager, Public Agency Risk Sharing Authority of California
Formerly Risk Manager with the City of Henderson, NV, Joanne brings over 20 years of risk management experience to PARSAC as it serves its 37 member agencies across California.