City Manager Search
City Council is starting interviews. The final candidates will be introduced to Evanstonians for town hall and resident panel interviews.
More info on City Manager Recruitment here
If you're a 9th ward resident and interested in participating in the panel interviews, please fill out this form:
BELOW IS ARCHIVED INFO FROM 2020
city manager candidate update - part 3
The following e-mail went out on October 21, 2020:
During the city council meeting on October 19, 2020, the council voted 7-3 to approve the employment contract for Erika Storlie. I will not repeat my frustrations with the swiftness of this decision; you can read my previous statements below. Despite my vote, under the rules set forth in city code, and a majority of support from the council, Mrs. Storlie is now the city manager.
After reviewing the 76 applicants for the job, I agreed with GovHR’s assessment of the top tier candidates and was excited to have three women as finalists. After several rounds of interviews, and hearing from more than 75 residents in the 9th ward, I concluded that Mrs. Ferrell-Benavides was the best fit for our city based on her experience.
Understanding the democratic process, I have accepted that my preferred candidate was not selected and I am moving forward to continue to represent the residents of my ward to the best of my ability. Last week I spoke to Mrs. Storlie and we both committed to a professional working relationship focused on the singular goal of serving the residents of Evanston. She understands my high expectations of service delivery, staff accountability, and my commitment to racial equity.
It is unfortunate that a desire for transparency and the prioritization of resident input has created rifts between myself and my colleagues. As a Black woman, this is unfortunately par for the course when you dare push against the status quo and challenge the dominant culture. I remain unshaken and will keep asking questions and pushing for better representation because that is what Evanstonians deserve and that is why you elected me.
Thank you for your continued trust and support of my leadership.
Unapologetically,
Cicely
City Manager Candidate Update - Part 2
Yesterday, October 8, 2020, the city council met from 1pm to 7pm to discuss the three city manager candidates. During this time, we received feedback from three interview panels (one staff panel & two community member panels), and we also formulated new questions to re-interview all three finalists.
I advocated for a public vote on the candidate selection. I believe that Evanstonians should know how their elected official votes on every matter. To be clear, I was not suggesting a public discussion of the qualifications/criticisms of three professional women, rather simply a roll call vote to show the community who their elected representative chooses.
Aside from Alderman Suffredin, the rest of the council did not agree with me. As a result, we will only be publicly voting on the new city manager’s employment contract. By the end of our 6 hour meeting, GovHR was directed to start contract negotiations with the candidate deemed most qualified by the majority of the council.
Here are the next steps:
Per state law, the employment contract must be listed on the city’s website for six (6) days prior to being voted on. We are tentatively aiming for this to be posted on Tuesday, October 13.
On Monday, October 19, council members will vote on the employment contract.
Out of respect for the oath of office I took during my swearing in; the rules of the executive session; and the individuals who applied for the job to be able to control their own narrative; I will not disclose who the finalist is. For the same reasons, I will wait until the city releases the candidate’s name next week before sharing who I voted for. Thank you to the residents who took time to provide me with their thoughtful input. Each candidate received strong support from our ward.
As we wait for these governmental processes, I want to remind my constituents in the 9th ward that I serve you. Regardless of who I sit on council with, my responsibility and loyalty is to the people I represent. I am crystal clear on my purpose and I make the best decisions with the information I have, including the diverse feedback from my neighbors. I serve this community based on the values modeled for me by the three generations of my family who served before me. My convictions won’t allow me to take my responsibility lightly.
As cliché as it sounds, I am on council to improve the lives of others and make the city better for all. The government has caused enough harm, whether intentionally or not, and I am committed to addressing it head-on and bringing more compassion, integrity and transparency to Evanston.
In Service,
Cicely
City Manager Candidate Update - Part 1
This is what I posted on October 8, prior to going into our 6-hour session:
This week we interviewed four finalists for this very important position. Deciding that one was not a fit, three participated in a community forum yesterday and are currently interviewing with three panels — one panel of city staff and two panels of Evanston residents.
Beginning at 1pm today, council will meet to receive feedback from the interview panels and continue our discussion on who is the best candidate for the job. This is by far the most important vote I have, given the authority this person will have and their impact on our residents.
I will be making my decision based on the following things (and a few more):
Skills residents have identified as important
Proven professional leadership skills
Communication skills - verbal & written
Understanding and a record of work for racial equity
Understanding and experience with budgets
Clear management style and implementation
Proven ability to engage with all residents
Ability to make hard decisions
It is my goal that the council have a public vote on the final candidate; not one in executive session today. I think that the public has the right to know who each elected official chose for this role. Hopefully my peers will make this same commitment to transparency.
I will be releasing a public statement explaining who I have chosen and why; no matter if that person is selected or not.
The three candidates selected as finalists include:
Aretha Ferrell-Benavides - Petersburg, VA, City Manager
Dr. Marie Peoples, PhD, MPH - Coconino County, AZ. Deputy County Manager
Erika Storlie - Evanston, IL, Interim City Manager
9th Ward Input: If you live in the 9th ward, please share your thoughts with me no later than Friday, October 9.
CITY MANAGER finalists
In addition to the Candidate Forum on October 7 (registration required), I would like to hear from my constituents in the 9th ward. Please share your thoughts no later than Friday, October 9, 2020.