New Toledo City Manager...Take Two

In a turn of events, while working on the contract for their selected new city manager, John Craig, who accepted the position, the council learned on Thursday, July 7th, that due to an unforeseen family situation, he is unable to take the position. The council met once again and has now offered the city manager position to Rich Huebner. Toledo Mayor Rod Cross said, "Rich brings Northwest experience to the position as well as proven leadership as the President of the Washington City Managers' Association.  I am looking forward to working with Rich as we continue to work together to bring our great city back to the forefront of coastal life." 

The City of Toledo started recruiting for its next City Manager in April and hired Jensen Strategies to manage the recruitment. One of the key parts of the process was public participation. Jenson Strategies provided the council with 10 candidates who applied and they thought would be a good fit for Toledo. From there, the council narrowed down the candidates to 4. On July 29th, the city held a meeting at the fire station, offering an opportunity for citizens to meet and ask questions of the four finalists and provide the city with their input. Mr. Huebner was a close second to Mr. Craig.

Mr. Huebner said of his nomination for the position, “Lincoln County has been a regular vacation destination for me, from family vacations of my childhood and continuing today. I'm honored and thrilled to be selected as a candidate for the position of City Manager of Toledo, and I'm excited by the prospect of living in and contributing to the vibrancy of this wonderful region.”

The city has been wrestling with leadership throughout this year. In September of 2024, Doug Wiggins city manager, was placed on paid administrative leave. Amanda Carey, the finance director, stepped into the role as interim city manager until she resigned in January 2025. In February, the Toledo council voted to terminate Mr. Wiggins as city manager. In March, the council brought on David Clyne as the new interim city manager and started working with Jensen Strategies to find a person who would be the right fit for the Toledo Manager's position.

Mayor Cross gave a shout-out to Jensen Strategies on what he called their outstanding work in this recruitment process. "I have been involved in 8 different city manager recruitments, and Jensen Strategies is by far the best folks to have worked with, giving proven candidates far and above any other recruitment entity we have used recruiting for the city manager position."