After a competitive search that drew candidates from across the region, Madras has its next city administrator. The Madras City Council formally approved an employment agreement with Brenda Fahey at its meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Fahey currently serves as assistant city manager and human resources director for the City of The Dalles, Oregon — experience that council members said made her a strong fit for Madras's growing needs. The Dalles, located along the Columbia River Gorge roughly 90 miles to the north, has faced many of the same pressures Madras does: a mix of agricultural economy, infrastructure investment, and community growth.
A Months-Long Process
The selection process began earlier this year and moved through several stages. The city narrowed its field to three finalists in late May, then hosted a public meet-and-greet event on June 10 that gave residents a chance to interact with the candidates directly — an unusual and community-centered step that drew positive feedback.
Final interviews were conducted in mid-June. The council identified Fahey as the preferred candidate on June 17 and directed staff to prepare an employment agreement for formal approval at the June 23 meeting.
A New Leader for a Growing City
The city administrator position is one of the most consequential in Madras city government, overseeing daily operations, department coordination, and long-term planning. Madras is navigating several major priorities simultaneously, including transportation improvements on Highway 97, housing development pressure, and maintaining public services for a diverse population.
The role has been filled in an interim capacity while the search was underway. Fahey's hire signals the city's readiness to move forward with stable, experienced leadership.
A start date and additional details about Fahey's transition into the role were not immediately available. The Madras Bulletin will provide updates as Fahey prepares to take the helm.