The city of Madras has officially closed the chapter on months of leadership uncertainty, hiring Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. The Madras City Council confirmed the hire at its June 23 meeting, and Fahey is set to begin work on July 20.

Fahey currently serves as assistant city manager and human resources director for the City of The Dalles, bringing significant municipal experience to a city navigating a period of transition and staffing gaps.

A Long Search Comes to an End

The search for a permanent city administrator stretched more than five months. Three finalists were invited to Madras for a public meet-and-greet on June 10 and final interviews on June 11. The City Council selected Fahey from those finalists at a special meeting on June 16.

"The city council is thrilled to announce our selection for our new city administrator," Mayor Mike Lepin said following Fahey's selection. The formal offer and employment agreement were ratified at the June 23 council meeting.

Immediate Priorities

Fahey outlined several priorities she plans to focus on from day one:

  • Public engagement — reconnecting residents with city government and increasing transparency
  • Economic development — supporting business growth and workforce development in Madras
  • Key hires — the city is actively searching for both a police chief and a finance director, searches that were deliberately paused until the city administrator role was filled
  • Budget evaluation — reviewing the city's current fiscal year budget and assessing structural changes proposed by interim administrator David Clyne
  • Staff relationships — building trust and stability within city departments after a period of turnover

Transition Period

Interim city administrator David Clyne, who has been working with city staff since early April, will step back when Fahey begins. Though his contract was originally scheduled to run through August, Clyne will stay on only as needed during the handover period. Among his recommendations was the reinstatement of a dedicated Human Resources director position in the city budget.

The details of how that transition will unfold are expected to be worked out as Fahey gets settled in her new role.

Context: Recent Leadership Challenges

Madras has faced significant management turbulence in recent years, including the high-profile firing of its police chief by the city council in 2025. The city has been operating without permanent top-level administrative leadership for an extended stretch. Fahey's arrival is expected to bring the stability needed to address those ongoing gaps — particularly the search for a new police chief.

Fahey is expected to be formally introduced to the community in the coming weeks.