Longview City announces four finalists for city manager post

Current city parks and rec director is among finalists

This story has been updated to include comments from Longview Mayor Spencer Boudreau.

The City of Longview Monday released the names of four finalists for its permanent city manager position, and the candidates include Jennifer Wills, the city’s current parks and recreation director.

All four of the finalists are currently from the Pacific Northwest and all have lengthy tenures in municipal management.

The public is invited to meet the candidates at a reception from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 16, at the Longview Public Library.

The Longview City Council will hold a special public meeting Friday, January 17, for council members to interview each candidate.

"We encourage community members to attend these events and provide their feedback," Angela Abel, City Public Information Officer, said in a written statement. "Comment cards will be available at both the reception and the Council meeting for attendees to share their thoughts on the candidates."

Whomever the council eventually selects will replace interim City Manager Jim Duscha, who has been filling the role since the council’s controversial firing of Kris Swanston last March. Duscha is the city’s retired police chief. He did not apply for the permanent position.

The four finalists are:

Brian Carlson - The budget and fnance director for Kittitas County, Washington, has more than 20 years’ experience in public finance and administration, according to a city of Longview press release

He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul University. In addition to his work in Kittitas County, he was finance director for the city of Valdez, Alaska.

In Kittitas County, Carlson oversees a $125 million budget and has adopted initiatives to restructure financial operations and enhance staff development. He is known for his data-driven approach to management and his focus on improving organizational efficiency, according to the press release.

He is an avid guitarist and amateur chef. He finds joy in spending time with his young daughter.

Blaine Oborn - The former City Administrator for Oak Harbor, Washington, has more than 20 years' of local government leadership experience.

Osborn earned a master’s degree in of public policy and administration and bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Sacramento. He also is accredited by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), which provides educational and networking opportunities for professionals in local government.

As city administrator for Oak Harbor, Oborn managed a $60 million budget and directly supervised nine department heads. He secured funding for a second fire station, created a Parks and Recreation Department, and obtained significant grants for infrastructure projects. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and continuous improvement, according to the press release

He enjoys clamming, crabbing, exploring the local landscape and traveling and spending time with his family.

John Walsh - The City Administrator for St. Helens, Oregon, has more than 24 years’ experience in municipal leadership.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Western Washington University and also is accredited by the ICMA, having completed the group’s High Performance Leadership Academy.

In St. Helens, Walsh managed a $15 million general fund and led the St. Helens Waterfront Redevelopment Project and the establishment of an industrial business park. These initiatives have contributed to economic growth and improved community infrastructure. His responsibilities include overseeing 88 full-time employees and 12 direct reporting supervisors.

He enjoys boating, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. He is also active in his community and values opportunities to engage with local organizations and initiatives.

Jennifer Wills - The Parks and Recreation Director for Longview has more than 18 years’ experience serving the Longview community.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation management from Springfield College and is a certified parks and recreation executive. Her leadership training includes programs with the National Outdoor Leadership School and the Municipal Forestry Institute.

As Longview’s parks and recreation director, she manages 27 full-time employees. She led projects such as transitioning Mint Valley Golf Course to city management, increasing its revenue significantly, and establishing a Public Engagement Policy to improve community communication. Her management approach focuses on setting clear goals, encouraging collaboration, and creating a supportive environment for employees, according to the press release.

Wills enjoying adventures such as ultramarathon running, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors. She also dedicates time to reading and creative pursuits.

Last year she was a finalist for the city manager’s position in Centralia.

The four were selected from a field of 20 applicants from 11 states. The first “cut” was made by a recruitment firm Colin Baenziger & Associates of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. Baenziger whittled the field to six for council consideration, but two dropped out, including one that did so Monday morning, according to Mayor Spencer Boudreau.

Boudreau said Monday afternoon that he is pleased with Baenziger’s work and he is “confident that the council will make a good selection”