Amanda Wilson appointed as new city manager

Start date scheduled for end of June


After the position sat empty for nearly six months, Gunnison City Council has appointed Amanda Wilson as the next city manager.

Wilson presently serves as the director of infrastructure and development for the City of Sandpoint, Idaho — a small community situated 60 miles south of the Canadian border. With a population of approximately 9,000, the city is only slightly larger than Gunnison, and also houses a nearby ski resort. Previously, she served as a program manager, founder and principal for Windward Project Solutions LLC.

Former City Manager Russ Forrest left the job in October of last year to serve as Vail’s town manager. Finance Director Ben Cowan has been serving as the interim since that time.

City council approved a formal employment contract with Wilson during a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 25 pending additional reference and background checks. The agreement includes a salary of $200,000 as well as temporary, transitional housing at the city’s new affordable housing development, Lazy K. Wilson’s start date is set for June 26. 

The city reopened the job listing in early February, restarting the search after the first round of finalists withdrew. After some adjustments to the listing — including a higher salary range and transitional housing — the executive recruitment firm the city hired for the search, Columbia Ltd., received 51 applications during the second round. Approximately 37% of the applicants were located in Colorado, while the rest were from out of state. 

The final four were invited to Gunnison to participate in extensive interviews with department heads and employees, community representatives and city council. The process also included a community open house so residents could meet the candidates and provide feedback. 

Although Wilson has been living in Idaho, she said Colorado was once her home and she had a strong desire to return.

“Initially, like most, we were attracted to Gunnison’s rural charm, endless recreation, and the vibrancy of Western Colorado University,” she wrote in an email to the Times. “All three factors remain important but ultimately, we chose Gunnison because of the people. The city’s elected officials and professional staff are dedicated and forward-thinking, and I am genuinely grateful for the privilege to serve with them.”

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@gunnisontimes.com.) 

Support local journalism!

Please consider making a donation to The Gunnison Country Times and help keep local journalism thriving!