The search for a new city manager for the city of Craig narrowed this past week as four finalists were named on Friday according to a news release from the city.

Peter Brixius, the current city administrator, announced his retirement last year. Beginning last month, the city began a nationwide search for his replacement. More than 35 applications were received from both local and out-of-state candidates. After screening candidates and conducting initial virtual interviews, the city pared down the applicants to four candidates. Those selected are: Brian Blad, Michael Cochran, Kevin (KC) Hume, and Will Ibershof.

The city provided a brief biographical sketch of each candidate to the newspaper.

Brian Blad, currently living in Idaho, has sixteen years of service as a Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of a full-service organization overseeing 21 departments, more than 700 employees and a $180 million budget.  Blad has served as a chairperson on the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program and a gubernatorial appointed member of the Idaho Department of Transportation — Traffic Safety Commission.

Michael Cochran is currently the Chief of Police for the City of Craig. His law enforcement service spans more than 30 years in both Georgia and Colorado. While working with the Moffat County Sherrif’s Office, Cochran served as the Moffat County Emergency Manager. Cochran holds a Bachelor of Science from Columbia Southern University and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Kevin (KC) Hume has 33 years of experience in public service, including eleven years as the elected Sheriff of Moffat County and earlier work as Fire Chief for Craig Fire/Rescue. Hume has served on several boards, including a gubernatorial position on the Colorado Peace Officer Standards & Training Board, Colorado Opioid Abatement Council and an elected member of the Moffat County School Board.  

Will Ibershof, currently living in Oregon, has over seventeen years of executive municipal leadership as a city administrator and mayor in full-service communities of similar size to Craig. Ibershof holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington — Evans School of Government and is a member of the International City/County Management Association with an accredited ICMA-CM.

All candidates will be in Craig on March 2 and 3 to participate in the next phase of the interview process, which will include round table discussions with invited community members, one-on-one discussions with City Council and a community event to meet the candidates at The Museum of Northwest Colorado in downtown Craig on March 2 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.