Stephanie Hicks
The Carson City Board of Supervisors, during their retreat at Fuji Park on Friday, decided to open the city manager position through the city’s regular job posting rather than perform a national search or simply appoint Deputy City Manager Stephanie Hicks.
The board gave direction to staff, rather than a formal motion, to post the job and bring back the top three candidates to interview with the board. The agenda item followed City Manager Nancy Paulson’s announcement earlier this month she would be retiring June 30.
Supervisors also decided the person chosen for the city’s top executive job should live in Carson City. Hicks lives in Douglas County.
“I completely understand the desire to have an open, competitive process, and if that is the decision that it is made, I’d be glad to compete for that,” Hicks told supervisors. “I do intend to live in Carson City if I’m selected, and I am interested.”
Hicks, who has a background in public safety and planning, got her start in Carson City as the city’s real property manager in 2016 and has served as deputy manager since 2019.
“My recommendation, whether you want to hear it or not, I guess, would be to contract with the current deputy city manager,” Paulson told supervisors. “We’ve worked really hard on succession planning in the various city departments, establishing that second-in-command to make sure that we have the smooth transition without interruption to city operations in the event that the director resigns, retires or is just out of the office.”
Supervisors discussed the benefits of succession planning. Mayor Lori Bagwell and Supervisor Lisa Schuette were inclined to appoint Hicks and open the deputy manager position to prepare for the next successor, but others felt the top position needed to be opened.
“I don’t feel comfortable simply appointing someone to that position,” said Supervisor Curtis Horton. “I think the citizenry would appreciate the fact that we look with open eyes at all that are qualified.”
Supervisors Maurice White and Stacey Giomi agreed with Horton.
“Going through a process of being interviewed for a position — and ultimately being selected — in my opinion adds credence and credibility to your role in that job,” Giomi said, adding Hicks will rise to the top if she’s the best candidate.
Other elected officials and department leaders at the retreat praised Hicks’ leadership and suitability for the city manager role. Sheriff Ken Furlong said what the city has today is a jewel with city departments working well together.
“When you talk about the best, that application started years ago in that deputy city manager role,” the sheriff said, adding going outside for another candidate is a risk.
Clerk-Recorder Scott Hoen said bringing in outside candidates and going through the process will let the community get to know Hicks and others.
“I think all of you know her really well and work great with her, and I think that’s probably going to end up rising to the top to be the right decision,” Hoen said. “But you also have to understand where the community is coming from in terms of their perspective, too. They don’t know what you know. They really don’t. They don’t know how well it’s working right now. They only see what’s outside, so give them the opportunity to participate.”
Human Resources Director Jeff Coulam expected the job to be posted within the week and said HR will use an applicant screening grid that can score candidates based on qualifications and any more requirements supervisors may offer.
Paulson has been with the city for 26 years, having started as an accountant in the finance department. The Board of Supervisors hired Paulson in 2018 and renewed her contract in 2020.