The City of Madras is in the final stretch of its search for a permanent city administrator, having narrowed the field to three finalists following a months-long recruitment process that began after former administrator Will Ibershof resigned in January.

The Finalists

The three candidates advancing to the final stage are:

  • Brenda Fahey
  • Maurice Henderson II
  • Jody Yates

All three candidates participated in a community meet-and-greet at Initiative Brewing on June 9, giving Madras residents the opportunity to introduce themselves, ask questions, and share priorities before formal interviews with city officials took place.

Accounts from the event suggest residents are looking for a leader who can bring stability to city operations, strengthen relationships with Jefferson County and neighboring communities, and navigate a city at an inflection point — grappling with leadership transitions while managing ongoing demands for housing, infrastructure, and economic development.

A City in Transition

The administrator vacancy has been one of the most closely watched local governance stories of the year. Ibershof's resignation set off a chain of interim appointments. Public Works Director Jeff Hurd was first appointed to serve temporarily, followed by David Clyne, who was brought on as Interim City Administrator in April.

Clyne publicly called for Madras to develop a unified vision in order to move forward effectively — a comment that resonated with observers who have watched the city navigate high staff turnover and competing priorities in recent years.

The data center that had been rumored as a potential economic development win for Madras was ruled out earlier this year, with the interim administrator confirming it was not coming. That makes the permanent administrator's role in attracting new economic activity even more critical.

What Comes Next

The Madras City Council is expected to make a final selection in the coming days or weeks. Candidate filing for the November 2026 Madras City Council and mayoral elections is also now open, meaning the incoming administrator will likely be working alongside a potentially reshaped council.

The decision will be closely watched. Madras is the county seat and the largest city in Jefferson County, and the administrator's effectiveness shapes everything from code enforcement and public works to how the city partners with the county, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and state agencies.