Three candidates for Scottsdale city manager have been selected after a series of reviews and background checks, and will meet with city executives and City Council members will interview the candidates June 15 and 16.
The City Council will host a special public meeting June 16 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:
Jim Colson, City Manager,
City of Topeka, Kansas
Jim Colson has been city manager of Topeka, Kansas, since August 2012. He previously served as deputy city manager for the city of Glendale, Arizona, from 2009 to 2012, where he was responsible for economic development, planning, building safety, code compliance, community revitalization, housing, transportation, engineering, downtown redevelopment and the airport. Mr. Colson has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University, a master’s degree in theology from Western Seminary, and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan.
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.
Orlando L. Sanchez, Deputy City Manager,
City of Las Vegas, Nevada
Orlando Sanchez has been deputy city manager for the city of Las Vegas since May 2006. He oversees public works, building and safety, planning and business license, operations and maintenance, detention and enforcement, and fire and rescue departments. He has more than 27 years of experience with the city of Las Vegas, starting there as a development analyst in 1988. Mr. Sanchez has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from New Mexico State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. In 2005, he was recognized as the “Emerging Public Administrator of the Year” by the American Society for Public Administration.