The City of Madras is nearing the end of a lengthy search for a new city administrator, announcing three finalists who will participate in a public meet-and-greet and formal interviews in the second week of June.

The finalists are:

  • Brenda Fahey — Currently serves as Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director for the City of The Dalles, Oregon
  • Maurice Henderson II — Partner and Co-Founder of Two Degrees, a management consulting firm
  • Jody Yates — Maintenance Operations Group Director for the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation

The selection follows a comprehensive recruitment process led by Prothman, an executive search firm hired by the Madras City Council.

Public Meet-and-Greet: June 10

Residents are encouraged to attend a community meet-and-greet with the three finalists on Wednesday, June 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Initiative Brewing, 715 SW 4th Street, Madras. Attendees can hear brief remarks from each candidate, ask questions, and fill out comment cards that will be provided by Prothman. The City Council will review that community feedback before making its final decision.

Final Interviews: June 11

Formal interviews will take place the following day, Thursday, June 11, at Madras City Hall. Interview panels will include City Council members, city staff, and external stakeholders. Per Oregon Public Meetings Law, the interview sessions and council deliberations will be conducted in executive session and closed to the public.

A Long Road to This Point

The search stems from the abrupt resignation of former City Administrator Will Ibershof on January 14, 2026. The sudden departure left the city scrambling: the Council appointed an interim administrator and initially attempted to recruit a replacement on its own before hiring GMP Consultants to assist. After that first recruitment round closed in March 2026 without a successful hire, the city pivoted to Prothman for a second round — which produced the three finalists now moving forward.

The leadership gap has strained city operations, with Council members at times personally handling administrative duties. Community members have expressed frustration with the pace of the transition at public meetings earlier this year.

Following the June 11 interviews, the Council may identify a preferred candidate and direct staff to begin contract negotiations. Any employment agreement would require approval at a public council meeting.