Search for Columbus’ next city manager enters final stages, mayor says

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The search for a new Columbus city manager is nearing its final stages as the city prepares to interview five candidates this week.

Mayor Skip Henderson confirmed Monday that the finalists — a mix of local and out-of-town applicants — will be interviewed Tuesday.

“It’s been almost 30 years since the city of Columbus went through a full-blown search for a city manager,” Henderson said. “We haven’t really interviewed and hired a city manager since 1996. So, we wanted to make sure that we were very thorough in how we did this.”

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The city has only had two city managers in the past three decades — Carmen Cavezza and Isaiah Hugley.

Hugley, who was promoted from deputy city manager in 2005, served until his termination on May 27.

Henderson said the current process is designed to be more transparent and inclusive than in previous years.

“The charter says that I just give a name to the council, and they vote it up or down,” Henderson said. “We have been incredibly transparent, incredibly inclusive, and very committed to involving council and other stakeholders — including people in the community — all the way through the end.”

Each city councilor worked with The Mercer Group, the consulting firm assisting in the hiring process, and submitted two citizens to participate in discussions with the consultants.

Two interview panels will evaluate the candidates. One will include Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Allen, former city employee Richard Bishop, and Pastor Willie Belfield Jr.

The other will be composed of current and former city and county managers assembled by the consultant.

“The next step is we’ll have a couple of panels interview the candidates face to face,” Henderson said. “Then from that point, we’ll make a decision on who we’re going to recommend to council.”

Henderson expects to present his recommendation to city council early next month.

In the meantime, the city’s two deputy city managers continue to oversee day-to-day operations following Hugley’s departure.