The Las Cruces City Council today selected Stuart Ed of El Paso as the new city manager. The council’s decision resulted from a follow-up interview with him and one other out-of-town candidate via video conference this morning. The other out-of-town candidate was Daniel Biles, deputy county manager-infrastructure, Jefferson County, Alabama. A third candidate was David Dollahon, who currently serves as assistant Las Cruces city manager/chief administrative officer.
Ed and Biles interviewed in-person with City Council in Las Cruces on Sept. 7, followed by a meet-and-greet with the public that evening.
City Council is scheduled to consider a formal resolution selecting Ed as city manager at its Oct. 3 regular meeting. Ed’s start date is subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract to be negotiated. City Council has indicated it is interested in an initial two-year contract that includes bi-annual evaluations.
Ed most recently served as president/CEO of Goodwill Industries of El Paso, Inc. Prior to that, he worked with the City of El Paso Mass Transit Department for four years and the community development department for nearly five years.
Other professional experience includes service in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of captain.
Ed received his Master of Public Administration degree from New Mexico State University in 2002 and his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1984.
Speaking for the City Council, Mayor Ken Miyagishima stated, “The City Council and I are very pleased and confident with the selection of Stuart Ed as the new city manager. He brings a wealth of diverse professional experience that will help Las Cruces continue in the positive direction the council has established. We believe he is a good fit for the council and the community, and we look forward to working with him.” As city manager, Ed will have to reside within Las Cruces city limits.
Ed replaces Robert Garza who retired as City manager the end of May. Assistant City Manager/Chief Operating Officer Daniel Avila served in an interim basis for three months following Garza’s departure. Assistant City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer David Dollahon is currently serving as city manager in an interim basis.
The city manager is the sole employee of the city council, overseeing the day-to-day management of City government, which includes a $374.5 million annual budget, and 1,366 full-time employees.
Information from city of Las Cruces