The finalists were chosen following a national search, community input, and preliminary screening interviews

VANCOUVER – Three candidates have been selected as finalists to interview for the city of Vancouver’s city manager position. The finalists were chosen following a national search, community input, and preliminary screening interviews. In alphabetical order, the candidates are:

• Nancy Newton, city manager, city of Springfield
• Lon Pluckhahn, deputy city manager, city of Vancouver
• Jonathan Young, city attorney, city of Vancouver

Candidate bio summaries can be found at Recruiting Vancouver’s Next City Manager. 

“After an extensive national search, we are pleased that we have three strong finalists to consider for this critical role,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “The Council has invited leaders of several organizations to help us interview the finalists this week. These panel interviews will help us hear different voices and perspectives that represent our community.

In addition to panel interviews, the finalists will participate in Community Q&A Sessions July 18 and 19. During these moderated discussions, candidates will share their thoughts on Vancouver’s future, be asked about community priorities, and answer questions submitted by community members. Questions can be submitted at Questions for the Next City Manager | Be Heard Vancouver. Written questions will also be collected from audience at the events. Community feedback from these forums will be summarized and delivered to City Council for their consideration as they complete final interviews on July 22.

Community Q&A schedule

Community Q&A Session One

Co-sponsored with Southwest Washington League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Vancouver Chapter of NAACP

• Thursday, July 18
• Doors: 6 p.m.
• Event: 6:30 to 8 p.m. 
• Location: Firstenburg Community Center, 700 N.E. 136th Ave.
• Please RSVP to the July 18 session

Community Q&A Session Two

• Friday, July 19
• Doors: 8 a.m.
• Event: 8:30 to 10 a.m.
• Co-sponsored with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
• Location: Hilton Vancouver Washington, 310 W. 6th Street, Pine/Spruce Room
• Please RSVP to the July 19 session

The city has contracted with Bob Murray and Associates to help manage the national recruitment and hiring process. Find the latest information about the recruitment process, including the position description, at Recruiting Vancouver’s next City Manager.

The city is seeking its next city manager due to the recent retirement announcement from current City Manager Eric Holmes. Holmes is working with the City Council to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement date of Oct. 11.

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.