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LOCK HAVEN -- Lock Haven City Council held an executive session Monday night, following its regular meeting, to consider which of the final candidates it might choose for its next manager.
Two individuals are being taken into consideration after they travelled to the city last week. At the time, they met with city staff, were interviewed by all of the council, received a tour of the city and met the public at meet and greets.
A third candidate withdrew her consideration following a family emergency, according to Mayor Joel Long.
Long offered a rundown of the next steps that would take place during the council's public meeting this week.
Long noted the committee did try to reach out to the final candidate to see if their visit could be rescheduled, however they hadn't heard anything back.
"I believe it's been the judgement of the committee we move on since we haven't heard by now," he said.
Despite the setback, Long said things are moving along, adding he felt the meet and greets went well.
He said the executive session held following the council's regular meeting would give members the opportunity to discuss the merits of the final candidates, rank them and try and come to a consensus.
He noted the hiring committee has already begun checking references of the candidates, meaning the process can move a bit quicker.
"(We) are ready to report to council during the executive session," he said.
If a consensus is reached, Long said an offer would be made to the chosen candidate. If the offer is accepted, council would take public action and vote to hire them at its next meeting.
The Express previously compiled the following information about the candidates up for consideration, Brandon Carter and Jon Kirksey:
BRANDON CARTER
Brandon Carter met with officials and the public on Monday, July 27.
Carter resides in Sumter, S.C., and most recently served as executive director of finance for Lake City, S.C., and, unofficially, as its interim city administrator for a time.
Prior to this role he was an accounting specialist for HireQuest Incorporated from October 2021 to January 2023; an office manager for Harris Ventures DBA Staff Zone from July 2020 to October 2021 and an administrative specialist for the United States Marine Corp. from July 2012 to February 2016.
Carter holds a master of business administration with a concentration in business administration from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., and is a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager.
Carter told The Express what drew him to the position was the closeness of the community, noting it reminded him of his position in Lake City.
"It's the local feeling. At my first interview I heard this and I was excited. I'm all about small communities and being able to help with growth," he said. That growth, he explained, is on all fronts, from economic to infrastructure and other aspects.
Carter's first visit to the city on Monday reaffirmed his impression of Lock Haven.
"It exceeded my expectations," Carter said. "I love that everyone here wants to grow and improve and do it as a community. Everyone is on the same page with that forward focus."
With his financial background and experience working within a local government structure similar to Lock Haven's, Carter said he is hopeful his expertise can be an asset to the city.
"I'm a servant leader that believes in building a better and brighter future," he said.
JON KIRKSEY
Jonathan "Jon" Kirksey has more than 12 years of experience in management, public works, environmental health and safety and civil construction.
His work has seen him take on a variety of roles including CEO of Ranch House Co.; Director of Public Works for the City of False Pass, Alaska; Bay City, Mich., Beloite, Wis., and others.
He holds a bachelor or science degree in economics/finance with a minor in business management from Texas Southern University, Houston.
Kirksey told The Express he prefers smaller towns versus areas with larger populations, leading to his decision to apply for the city manager position.
"I'm a people person. I prefer people over pennies," he said.
Kirksey met with officials and the public on Tuesday, July 28. After spending multiple days in Lock Haven, Kirksey said his first impression of the city is a positive one.
"It's lived up to my expectations. There are outstanding people here," he said. "You can live anywhere in the entire country but the people are truly what make it worthwhile."
If chosen for the position, Kirksey said one of his first goals as city manager would be to get to know the culture of Lock Haven.
"I want to add to the existing greatness here, not change it or reduce it," he said.