Sidney announces city manager finalists

After receiving 20 applications from 18 states and an in-depth review of a dozen semi-finalists, City of Sidney officials are set to interview three finalists for the city manager position in late January.

The three finalists are: Cheryl Beatty, assistant city manager and finance director of Junction City, Kan.; Dan Dean, former town manager of Mead, Colo.; and Ed Sadler, city manager of Webster City, Iowa.

The finalists have been selected from a well-qualified group of applicants and each has significant experience in the role of city manager, said Sidney Mayor Mark Nienhueser.

"The city council is looking for an experienced professional who can build on the successes of the past and continue to move Sidney forward," Nienhueser said. "We are looking for a person who is effective and proactive in enhancing our economic development and improving services we provide our citizens and visitors.

"Our national search has provided some great finalists who we are excited to interview and keep the process moving."

The city manager serves as the city's chief executive officer and is responsible for managing day-to-day operations. City Clerk/Treasurer Geri Anthony has served as interim city manager since August.

"Geri has done a remarkable job as interim city manager while also handling her regular responsibilities. I'd like to thank her, our department supervisors and employees for their dedication in keeping Sidney on track," Nienhueser said.

A committee comprised of members of the city council and the business community as well as other citizens reviewed the applications and selected the finalists.

The finalists are:

• Beatty is currently the assistant city manager and finance director of Junction City, Kan. She has more than 20 years of government management experience and has been in a city manager role in four communities in Kansas and Montana. Beatty graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

• Dean is the former town manager in Mead, Colo. He has more than 30 years of experience in local government management and has been a city manager in Colorado (Mead, Fort Morgan and Burlington), Nebraska (McCook) and Oregon (Sweet Home and Venetta). Dean holds a master's degree in public administration from Indiana University.

• Sadler is currently the city manager of Webster City, Iowa, and has more than 30 years of experience in local and state governments. Prior to his current role, he was an assistant city manager for Aspen, Colo., and has held a variety of management roles in Wyoming, Missouri and Arizona. Sadler holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Wyoming.