AURORA — The city plans to name George “Skip” Noe as its new city manager, replacing Ron Miller, who retired earlier this year.
Noe, a management consultant from Corpus Christi, Texas, and interim City Manager Nancy Freed were the two finalists.
“I’m honored to have been selected to serve the citizens of Aurora,” Noe said in a press release from the city. “I look forward to working with the Mayor, City Council, facing the community.”
The new manager will be responsible for Aurora’s $615 million budget, 2,676 full-time employees and day-to-day operations of the city as directed by the council.
Noe became a management consultant in 2008 after 30 years in city management. He was city manager and deputy city manager for Corpus Christi between 1999 and 2008.
He oversaw 3,300 employees and an annual budget of more than $500 million. He also worked for the city of Fort Collins, and for the Texas cities of San Antonio, College Station and Kingsville.
Noe earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He also is a Labor Relations Fellow from the Labor-Management Relations Service in Washington, D.C.
Noe must now negotiate a contract with the city before accepting the position. The City Council will formally offer the job at a Monday meeting.
Freed has been interim city manager since Miller retired in March after 13 years at the position.
Freed has been in public administration for more than 30 years. As Aurora’s deputy city manager, she oversaw police, fire, library, neighborhood services, water, public works, planning and parks, recreation and open space.
She also was interim and assistant city manager in Lakewood and served as executive director of the Lakewood Housing Authority.
Freed has been involved in many major projects and issues including balancing the budget during difficult economic times and redevelopment, including at Fitzsimons.
She will resume her role as deputy city manager.
There was controversy surrounding the selection process. The Colorado Press Association challenged the city, saying it violated the state’s sunshine law because it interviewed the final five finalists behind closed doors and they weren’t current employees. Later it was learned that Freed was the only current employee to make the final five.
Cities are allowed to go into executive session to discuss personnel issues.
State law says that when three finalists are chosen, the city must reveal those names and start the public vetting process.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
