A man who’s worked a decade as Fruita city manager was selected as a finalist to become the next Grand Junction city manager.

The Grand Junction City Council announced the selection of Mike Bennett as a finalist for the position, concluding a national search that produced two finalists.

Fourteen days must elapse before a formal job offer can be extended. Andrea Phillips will serve as interim city manager until Bennett is expected to begin his new role in late November. Bennett will succeed Greg Caton, who resigned in April

“We believe Mike has the vision to move the city forward while also managing the day-to-day operations with a team of dedicated city staff,” said Grand Junction Mayor Abram Herman. “We are fortunate that Mike already has an understanding of the challenges facing the western part of the state to include those specific to the City of Grand Junction. We also feel Mike exudes the warmth and friendly nature of our community and will serve as a collaborative partner in efforts to maintain productive relationships with local organizations and businesses.”

Bennett said he was excited and honored to serve as Grand Junction city manager. “Having worked in a neighboring town for the past 10 years, I am certainly aware of the challenges facing Grand Junction and many other communities in the western part of our state. Initially, I plan to focus on learning about how those challenges impact this community and gain a better understanding of all that the city is doing to address them.”

“My first priority is to foster an environment of open communication, collaboration and mutual respect with city council, staff and the community as we begin what I hope is a long and productive relationship. Grand Junction is an amazing city, and I am proud to take on this leadership role and continue to help the city thrive,” Bennett said.

Bennett has served as Fruita city manager since 2014. He previously worked for the City of Hickory, N.C., as director of administrative services, assistant to the city manager and interim transit director. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University and a master’s of public administration degree from Brigham Young University, where he’s served on the program’s executive advisory board since 2018.

Bennett also graduated from the senior executive institute at the University of Virginia in 2013. He’s a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association and a member of that organization. He is a board member of the Colorado City/County Management Association and in April was named Colorado City Manager of the Year by members of that organization.

Under a council-manager form of government, the city manager serves  as executive and reports to the city council. The council hires a manager to provide leadership, direct and coordinate city services, present information and recommendations to the council and implement policies and goals set by the council.