BOZEMAN — The City of Bozeman has selected its finalist for the role of city manager.
In a press release on Thursday morning, Jeff Mihelich was named as finalist.
Working with CPS HR Consulting, the City carried out a comprehensive recruitment plan resulting in 83 applicants from across the nation. After evaluating the applicants in comparison to the advertised ideal candidate profile, the City Commission interviewed four semi-finalists and narrowed the pool down to one exceptional candidate as a finalist.
City staff and a panel of community members will conduct interviews of the candidate via video conferencing to adhere to guidelines in response to COVID-19. Feedback will be given to the City Commission to make its final determination. The Bozeman City Commission will hold a public meeting to discuss the finalist for city manager on April 20, 2020.
Bozeman Mayor Chris Mehl says, “Selecting a new city manager for our community is one of the most critical tasks facing this Commission. Bozeman is a unique and desirable city that requires a highly capable leader, and I’m pleased with the quality of applicants we received.”
Mayor Mehl adds, “Even amidst the ongoing turbulence in our country and city, we were still able to recruit an incredibly qualified finalist. It has been a team effort by city staff and the Commission to keep this important recruitment moving forward despite the many unknowns at hand.”
Meet the Finalist
Mihelich is an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Credentialed City Manager with 28 years of experience working in large cities, small towns, and counties demonstrating a deep commitment to public service. He has significant experience developing and implementing progressive public policy in rapid growth communities and is currently the Deputy City Manager and Chief Operating Officer in Fort Collins, Colorado where he leads a team of 1,400 employees and manages a $500 million dollar bi-annual budget.
Jeff’s career focus areas include Affordable Housing, Climate Action Planning, Growth Management, Economic Development, Downtown Revitalization, Capital Project Management, Parks and Natural Areas, Solid Waste and Recycling, Transportation, Mobility, Transit, Arts and Culture, Private-Public-Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Budget Development, Finance, Neighborhood Revitalization, Recreation Services, Sports Events and Tourism.
