SALINA — The search for Salina’s next City Manager has reached its final stage, with a decision possible as soon as the upcoming City Commission meeting on Monday, September 25.
Following a nationwide search conducted by Government Professional Solutions, three finalists have advanced: Darrin Tangeman of Orleans, Massachusetts; Michael Tremblay of Fort George G. Meade, Maryland; and Jacob Wood of Salina, Kansas.
On Monday, August 11, the candidates toured Salina before attending a public reception at the Stiefel Theatre’s Watson Room, where residents had the chance to meet and speak with each finalist. The event ran from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and drew community members interested in learning more about the candidates’ qualifications and vision for the city.
The following day, August 12, the three finalists participated in closed interviews with the Salina City Commission.
Candidate Backgrounds
Darrin Tangeman brings more than 11 years of executive local government experience, having served as Chief Administrative Officer, City Manager, and Town Manager in Massachusetts and Colorado. He previously served 11 years as a U.S. Army Special Forces Officer in the Green Berets. Tangeman holds multiple advanced degrees, including from the University of Kansas, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the University of Colorado, and completed Harvard University’s Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program. He is an ICMA-Credentialed Manager and co-founded the ICMA Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship.
Michael Tremblay has served in the U.S. Army since 1995, with recent roles including CEO of Talent Management for the 1st Brigade, Chief of Staff at Fort Benning, and Garrison Commander at USAG in South Korea — a position comparable to a City Manager. Tremblay holds a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College and a Master of Science in Administration/Organizational Leadership from Central Michigan University.
Jacob Wood has more than 13 years of executive local government experience in Kansas, serving as Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, City Administrator, and Interim City Manager. He has also served 19 years as a Logistics Officer with the U.S. Army Reserve. Wood holds both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Administration from Kansas State University and is an ICMA-Credentialed Manager.
Exclusive Comment
“The selection of the new city manager is an extraordinarily important decision that will determine the future direction of our community for many years to come. I’m confident that the Commission will make a decision that best serves the city as a whole, one that will be beneficial for both the city’s staff and its residents,” said Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, speaking exclusively to Salina311.
Next Steps
The Salina City Commission is expected to deliberate and could select the city’s next manager at its September 25 meeting.
