La Junta Names Finalists for City Manager

Description: The City of La Junta Released the Following City Manager Finalist's Bios on December 16, 2024...

La Junta Names Finalists for City Manager

La Junta, Colorado- Following an extensive search and interviews by the City Manager Selection Committee, the City of La Junta has named finalists for the City Manager position.

Michael R. Hart

Michael R. Hart is a dynamic leader with a diverse professional background and achievements, demonstrated through the positive transformation of the community he serves. With over two decades of experience spanning municipal administration, military service, education, and private enterprise, Mr. Hart brings a comprehensive skill set to the City Manager role.

Currently serving as the City Administrator of Commerce, Oklahoma, Mr. Hart oversees daily city operations, manages budgets, advises the mayor and council, and fosters partnerships to improve community well-being. His tenure reflects strategic leadership and a commitment to fiscal and operational excellence. Previously, as Mayor of Commerce, he chaired council meetings, revised city ordinances, and established annual budgets, showcasing his ability to guide governance processes effectively.

Mr. Hart's career includes numerous leadership roles, notably his extensive experience and successes in fiscal management as a City Administrator. In his various and diverse professional history, Mr. Hart has served his community as a firefighter, educator, and entrepreneur, all an extension of his dedication to the community he serves. Mr. Hart's role as a loan officer and promotion to vice president of banking further emphasize his commitment to responsible fiscal planning. A former Airborne Infantryman in the U.S. Army, his deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq provided a solid foundation for growth as a leader and a unique understanding of the value of efficient and effective organizational skills.

An advocate for lifelong learning, Mr. Hart holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, a Bachelor's in History, and an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. He is actively involved in volunteer work, serving on numerous boards and committees that promote economic development, youth programs, and veteran affairs.

John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in economic development, quality organizational improvements, and local and state government operational leadership. Currently serving as the Director of Community Development in Greeley County, Kansas, John has demonstrated his ability to manage complex projects, build community engagement, and drive strategic initiatives that support sustainable growth.

John's career highlights include leading successful negotiations on high-value contracts, such as a $300,000 wind energy project, and spearheading legislative efforts that fostered new resident recruitment programs in Hamilton County. As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, he achieved remarkable operational efficiencies, including reducing temporary staffing costs by 40% and introducing inventory methods that saved $40,000 annually.

John's expertise spans program management, regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and team leadership. His comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal regulations has informed strategic planning and implementation across various roles. Notable achievements include designing and implementing quality assurance frameworks and operational improvements in healthcare and public administration.

John holds a Master of Public Administration from Kaplan University, where he graduated with honors, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Nebraska - Kearney. His commitment to professional development is evident in his Lean Six Sigma certification and active Kansas Adult Care Executives membership. A former Horace City Councilman, John values civic engagement and strives to build relationships with stakeholders to ensure the success of community initiatives.

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