The City of Fruita announced the appointment of Shannon Vassen as interim city manager. Vassen, who will start his new role Dec. 3, has been employed by the City of Fruita for six years and was serving as the assistant city manager before the appointment. 

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Shannon for the past four-and-a-half years and have seen firsthand his dedication and contributions to the City of Fruita. The City Council and I are thrilled to have him step in as Fruita’s interim city manager,” Fruita Mayor Matthew Breman said.

As assistant city manager, Vassen oversaw Fruita’s administration department, which includes finance, human resources, city clerk, utility billing, budget and more. He also continues to create the city’s annual budget.

Vassen has spent most of his life in the Grand Valley. After graduating from Central High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in political science at Colorado Mesa University. After college, he started his career in local government at Mesa County and worked for the City and County of Denver while attending graduate school, attaining a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs.

The community will have multiple opportunities to meet Shannon, including a Hot Chocolate with the Interim City Manager event on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at Starbucks, 532 Raptor Road, Fruita.