Job search heats up

LISA HOBBS - News Editor

McMinnville is two weeks into its search for a new city administrator, and one name might just sound familiar.

“McMinnville is my home, my family is rooted there, and my wife and I have always planned to return our focus to our community,” said Brad Hennessee, who is the former director of McMinnville Public Works Department. He resigned in July 2019 after accepting the position of city administrator in Sparta.

Hennessee continued, “Given the current development and infrastructure challenges facing the city, including the data center moratorium, I feel a deep responsibility to put my 22 years in McMinnville Public Works and my direct city administrator experience to work for our taxpayers. I look forward to working collaboratively with the board through the MTAS process.”

While city officials have always kept names under wraps until the in-person interviews, Hennessee was contacted by Warren County Way and openly disclosed his intent to seek this position. Among those the former director will likely be pitted against is McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department Director Justin Scott, who was named interim and openly voiced a desire to seek it permanently.

In its job posting, salary is listed at $122,000 to $160,000, a full benefit package, retirement, 401K, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, etc. Among the minimum training and experience required: bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree preferred, in public administration, political science, business administration or closely related field; five to seven years of municipal management or equivalent experience as approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen; TCMA membership and ICMA-CM designation preferred.

The person selected will create and manage the city’s $19.7 million dollar budget, as well as be tasked with coaching and mentoring senior leaders across eight departments. He/she will work closely with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in creating and executing policies and procedures to further the growth of McMinnville.

Additional details regarding the position and how to apply can be found on the city’s website.