Council selects Marsh as new city manager

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

After interviewing the three finalists for the position at a special meeting Tuesday evening, the Fernley City Council unanimously consented with mayor Roy Edgington’s selection of Patrick Marsh as the new city manager.

Marsh, who was the deputy city manager, had been acting city manager since the resignation of Daphne Hooper May 4.

“At a time of strong economic development and rapid growth, the selection of a new city manager is incredibly important as this position essentially oversees all city staff and operations,” Edgington said. “The members of the city council feel that Mr. Marsh is an excellent choice to serve as our next city manager. His experience serving on a regional planning commission for 11 years combined with his knowledge of local government makes him well-qualified to keep our great city moving in a positive direction.”

The city received seven applications for the position after a 30-day selection process. The top five candidates were internally interviewed by a review panel consisting of internal management and appointed city staff, external public service members and a local business owner. The top three, Marsh, Yerington city manager Robert Switzer, and Melissa Evans, a senior grants official in the Governor’s Office, were then interviewed by the council at Tuesday’s meeting.

As part of the city’s executive leadership team, Marsh will oversee a wide variety of city departments including planning, budgeting and economic development. Marsh has more than 31 years of public sector experience, of which 18 years he served as a manager/administrator at the local government level.

“I want to thank the mayor and council for their confidence in providing me this opportunity to serve the people of Fernley,” Marsh said. “I consider it an honor and privilege to contribute to making Fernley and even stronger, safter, better place to live, work and play for all residents, business owners and visitors.”

Marsh holds a bachelor’s degree in business/public administration from Augustana College and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. He will move into the new role upon the agreement of contract negotiations.