The Creswell City Council has invited four candidates to participate in interviews to fill the position of City Manager. The selected candidate will replace long-time Creswell City Manager Michelle Amberg who resigned in December 2024.
The City Manager serves as the administrative head of City government and is responsible to the Mayor and Council for the proper administration of all City business. The Manager is responsible for appointing, supervising and removing staff, organizing City departments and administrative structure, budgeting and promoting cooperation among Council, staff and citizens in building a sense of community. The Manager is appointed by the Mayor with the consent of a majority of Council members.
The Council provided an interactive process to obtain input from local stakeholders and citizens about the professional characteristics and skills desired in the next City Manager. This information was included in a position profile outlining the desired attributes for this position. 12 applications were received. Six finalists were given preliminary interviews. One of the six candidates withdrew from being considered for possible appointment as City Manager
There will be a public ‘meet and greet’ of the candidates on Monday May 12 at 5:00pm at the Community Center. The public is welcome to attend that event. Interviews will be conducted on May 12 and May 13. Interviews are not open to the public. Following interviews and deliberations on Tuesday May 13, the Council will convene in open session and the Mayor will announce his appointment of a City Manager subject to consent of the City Council of this appointment. If approved, an offer of employment will be made to the successful candidate.
The four finalists are:
David Benson – Benson resides in Tillamook, Oregon. An Oregon native, Benson received an undergraduate degree from Yale and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Houston. He has worked most of his career in the state of Texas as Assistant City Manager, of the City of Leage, Texas, Assistant Chief Recovery Officer for the City of Houston, Texas and has worked a s a private consultant for governmental agencies focusing on human resources, , developing missions and goals, developed guidelines for maximizing local resources for small cities. Benson indicated in his application: “My background in supporting the range of services the City delivers will be of value in overcoming difficult obstacles, continuing to strengthen the City’s team, and ensuring that the organization is able to continue effective, efficient and ethical service to Creswell as new residents and businesses arrive.’
Monique DeSpain – DeSpain resides in Eugene, Oregon. An Oregon native. DeSpain received an undergraduate degree from the University of Utah, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from Willamette University College of Law. DeSpain is currently Executive Director and County Counsel for Common Sense for Oregon Foundation, and has worked as an attorney, chief operating officer and worked internationally for a security company. She retired with the grade of Colonel from the Oregon Air National Guard/USAF Reserve/Active Duty with service from 1989 to 2019. In her application materials, DeSpain indicated “…my 2024 congressional campaign gave me a deeper understanding of [Creswell’s] people and businesses. From its renowned 4th of July Parade to Grange 496 and Holt Park events, Creswell embodies the best in small-town America. My work at the Common Sense for Oregon Foundation, where I develop and implement policy to support working families, has reinforced my belief that good governance starts locally.”
Vincent Martorello – Martorello resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Martorello obtained a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cobleskill and a master’s degree in urban planning and architecture from the University of Michigan. He currently works as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa. He previously worked as Superintendent of Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield, Oregon and as director of Facilities at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. He has prepared land use applications, municipal master plans and wetland determinations working for a consulting firm in Eugene, Oregon. Martorello indicated in his application materials that he: “…wants to make a positive contribution to a community and invest [himself] both professionally and personally into the well-being and vitality of [the Creswell] community. The City of Creswell offers me the opportunity to utilize my diverse background and experience to make a positive impact within a strong community such as the City of Creswell.”
Douglas Wiggins – Wiggins resides in Toledo, Oregon. Wiggins obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming in Agricultural Business. Wiggins most recently worked in Toledo as City Manager, City Administrator in the City of Union, Oregon, City Clerk Recorder for the Town of Wheatland, Wyoming and worked as a Police Officer/Sergeant for the Wheatland Police Department. Prior to his municipal experience, Wiggins worked in sales for an agricultural seed company. Wiggins indicated in his application materials: “With my background in city management and law enforcement, I have had the privilege of working closely with communities to solve problems (water, wastewater, and streets), improve services, and create places where people feel safe and supported (economic development). What draws me to Creswell is that same spirit of connection and progress. It is a town that embodies the best of small-town living while embracing opportunities for growth.”