Chandler is searching for a new city manager./www.visitchandler.org
By Paulina Pineda | Arizona Republic
Chandler is looking for a new top executive to run the city of some 260,000 people southeast of Phoenix that is home to one of Arizona’s largest employers: Intel, the computer chip giant.
Chandler is a technology hub, with longtime employer Intel announcing plans this spring to open two more factories in town that would add more than 3,000 jobs, as well as newer additions such as Viavi Solutions and Zovio education technology. The city also has sought to land financial firms such as Voya Financial in recent years.
Elected leaders ticked off a list of qualities they seek in a city manager, from continuing to diversify its economy to strengthening relationships with businesses, residents and nonprofit groups.
“The city manager in my mind should not be sitting behind their desk.”
City Councilmember Matt Orlando
The council narrowed a pool of 34 applicants last month, and hopes to whittle that to a short list of finalists in a closed-door session on June 14.
The finalists will go through interviews with the council and senior staff in mid-July. Residents will have an opportunity to hear from the finalists during a public hearing following the interviews.
Chandler launched its national search after City Manager Marsha Reed retired in March after nearly eight years with the city and almost five as its’ top leader. Assistant City Manager Joshua Wright has been serving as manager on an interim basis as the city searches for a replacement.
