The City of Madras has a new city administrator. Brenda Fahey, who currently serves as assistant city manager and human resources director for the City of The Dalles, was officially confirmed at the June 23 Madras City Council meeting and is scheduled to begin her new role on July 20, 2026.
The hire ends a search that stretched more than five months, during which Madras operated under interim leadership following a vacancy in the position. The search attracted candidates from across Oregon, with the council ultimately selecting Fahey from a field of three finalists.
Council Enthusiastic About the Pick
Mayor Mike Lepin expressed strong confidence in the selection after the June 16 special meeting where the council made its choice.
"The city council is thrilled to announce our selection for our new city administrator," Lepin said in a statement. The council then directed staff to prepare an employment agreement for formal approval at the June 23 regular meeting.
Fahey's background in both municipal administration and human resources brings a combination of skills that city leaders believe will serve Madras well. The Dalles, where she has been working, is a city of roughly 16,000 residents on the Columbia River — giving her experience navigating the operational and personnel challenges of a small Oregon city.
Why This Hire Matters
The city administrator role is the top staff position in Madras city government, responsible for day-to-day operations, department management, budget implementation, and serving as the primary liaison between the elected city council and city staff. Extended vacancies in this position can slow project timelines and create uncertainty for employees and residents alike.
Madras has faced a number of significant decisions in recent years, including infrastructure planning, housing pressure, and economic development. Having stable leadership in the city administrator's chair is seen as essential to moving those priorities forward.
Fahey will take over at a busy time — Madras enters the summer with the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo on the horizon (July 21–25), ongoing city planning work, and continued growth pressures across Jefferson County.
Residents and community members looking to connect with city leadership can reach Madras City Hall at the main city offices on 5th Street.