After nearly six months under interim leadership, the City of Madras has officially filled its top administrative post. Brenda Fahey was confirmed as the new Madras City Administrator at the June 23 City Council meeting, and she is set to begin her role on July 20, 2026.
The hire closes a chapter of leadership instability at City Hall that began in January when the council formally accepted the resignation of former City Administrator Will Ibershof, effective January 14. Fahey’s selection follows a months-long search process that culminated in public meet-and-greet sessions with three finalists and a special council meeting on June 16.
Who Is Brenda Fahey?
Fahey currently serves as assistant city manager and human resources director for the City of The Dalles, a Columbia River Gorge community of comparable size with a similarly complex set of municipal services. Her background spans administrative leadership and HR management — a combination the council sees as well-suited to a city government that has navigated significant staff turnover in recent years.
“The city council is thrilled to announce our selection for our new city administrator,” Mayor Mike Lepin said following the June 16 selection meeting. The council chose Fahey from three finalists after the public engagement process gave residents a chance to weigh in.
What the Hire Signals
For Madras, which has faced fiscal pressures, infrastructure challenges, and workforce recruitment difficulties common to many rural Oregon cities, a stable and experienced city administrator is a foundational need. Fahey’s background in HR is particularly relevant for a city government working to rebuild organizational stability and retain qualified employees.
The July 20 start date gives Fahey time to transition her responsibilities in The Dalles and make arrangements to relocate to Madras.
City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at Madras City Hall, 125 SW E Street. Residents can attend public meetings or contact City Hall at (541) 475-2344. City news and announcements are posted at madras.gov.
The council will continue to work under interim arrangements through mid-July until Fahey’s arrival brings permanent leadership back to City Hall.