The City of Madras is turning the page on months of interim leadership. Brenda Fahey was officially hired as the city's new city administrator at the June 23 City Council meeting, and is set to begin work on July 20.

Fahey comes to Madras from the City of The Dalles, where she served as assistant city manager and human resources director. She was selected from three finalists following a search that began earlier this year after the previous administrator's departure.

"The city council is thrilled to announce our selection for our new city administrator," Mayor Mike Lepin said in a statement following the June 16 special meeting at which Fahey was chosen.

What Fahey Says She'll Focus On

In statements to the council and local media, Fahey outlined four priorities for her first months in office:

  • Public engagement — building stronger relationships between city hall and Madras residents
  • Economic development — working to attract investment and support local business growth
  • Relationship-building with city staff — getting to know the team and building trust internally
  • Filling key vacancies — the city is currently searching for both a police chief and a finance director, searches that were deliberately delayed until the city administrator role was filled

She'll Also Review Recent Changes

Fahey said she plans to evaluate changes initiated by interim city administrator David Clyne, who has been working with city staff since early April. Clyne advocated for reinstating a Human Resources director position in the city's new budget. His contract was set to run through August — meaning there will be a brief overlap with Fahey's start date to allow for a transition.

The city is currently working through its budget process, and Fahey said that will be among her first priorities.

Why This Matters

Madras has navigated significant leadership turnover in recent years, including the 2025 firing of the police chief and an extended search for a permanent city administrator. Fahey's arrival marks a chance to stabilize city operations and refocus on long-term planning at a time when Jefferson County's population is growing and the demands on city services are increasing.

Fahey will begin her new role on July 20. Residents interested in meeting the new city administrator can look for opportunities at upcoming city council meetings, which are typically held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Madras City Hall.