The City of Madras has narrowed its search for a new city administrator to three finalists, and the public will have a rare chance to weigh in before the final decision is made.

A City Administrator Finalist Meet-and-Greet is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Initiative Brewing, located at 715 SW 4th Street in Madras. Residents are encouraged to attend, meet the candidates, hear brief remarks, and submit written feedback using comment cards provided by Prothman, the city's executive recruitment consultant. The City Council will review all public feedback during its deliberation.

The Three Finalists

The Madras City Council authorized the advancement of three candidates to the final stage of the hiring process:

  • Brenda Fahey — Currently serves as Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director for the City of The Dalles, Oregon. Fahey brings both operational management and HR expertise to the table.
  • Maurice Henderson II — A Partner and Co-Founder of Two Degrees, a management consulting firm. Henderson brings a private-sector leadership perspective to the public administration role.
  • Jody Yates — Currently the Maintenance Operations Group Director for the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation, overseeing infrastructure and operations for one of Oregon's largest cities.

A Position That Matters

The city administrator search has been a drawn-out process since City Administrator Will Ibershof submitted his sudden resignation in early January 2026, effective January 14. The City Council formally accepted the resignation and appointed interim administrator David Clyne — a veteran with nearly 40 years of experience leading Oregon and Colorado cities — to manage city operations during the transition.

Clyne has used his tenure to map out Madras's financial and operational challenges and to advocate for the next administrator to develop a unified, long-term vision for the city. He noted that Oregon's lack of a sales tax leaves cities like Madras with limited revenue options compared to many other states.

Final Interviews Thursday

Following the public meet-and-greet, final candidate interviews will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Madras City Hall. Interview panels will include City Council members, city staff, and external stakeholders. Per Oregon Public Meetings Law, the interview process and council deliberations will be conducted in executive session and will not be open to the public.

If the council identifies a preferred candidate following deliberations, city representatives will begin contract negotiations. Any employment agreement will require final approval at a public City Council meeting.

The city administrator position is one of the most consequential hires Madras makes — the role oversees day-to-day city operations, manages department heads, and serves as the primary liaison between city staff and the elected council. With Madras navigating ongoing economic development questions, infrastructure challenges, and a growing regional profile, the choice will shape the community for years to come.

Residents are encouraged to attend Wednesday's event at Initiative Brewing. No RSVP required.