After months of operating under interim leadership, the City of Madras has identified three finalists to become the city's next permanent city administrator. Residents got their first chance to meet the candidates Wednesday evening at a public meet-and-greet held at Initiative Brewing, 715 S.W. 4th Street.
The Three Finalists
Brenda Fahey
Fahey currently serves as assistant city manager and human resources director for the City of The Dalles, a Columbia River community with a population and infrastructure footprint comparable to Madras. Her background in both administrative operations and personnel management gives her a dual skillset that cities of Madras' size often need in a single top executive.
Jody Yates
Yates is the maintenance operations group director at the Portland Bureau of Transportation, where she has overseen large-scale infrastructure and public works programs. Her experience managing complex urban systems could translate into tangible benefits for Madras, which faces ongoing infrastructure needs including road maintenance, water system upgrades, and the upcoming Highway 97 improvement project.
Maurice Henderson II
Henderson is a partner and co-founder of Two Degrees, a management consulting firm. His private-sector background stands out from the other two candidates and may appeal to council members seeking a fresh approach to economic development, organizational efficiency, or community engagement.
How the Process Works
The Wednesday event ran from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and was designed to give residents direct access to the candidates before a final decision is made. Public comment cards were distributed during the event, and the City Council will consider that feedback as part of its deliberations.
The city has been operating under interim administrator David Clyne since the resignation of Will Ibershof, which was formally accepted by the City Council on January 16, 2026.
Why It Matters
The city administrator is arguably the most consequential hire Madras makes. The position oversees day-to-day city operations, manages department heads, and serves as the primary liaison between elected officials and city staff. Whoever takes the role will step into a period of significant transition for Madras — with a major ODOT highway project on the horizon, growing pressure around housing and infrastructure, and ongoing questions about the city's economic development direction.
The City Council is expected to make its final selection in the coming weeks. For more information, contact City Hall at (541) 475-2344.