City manager up for top job in Glendale; could be 3rd city exec to leave

Maricopa City Manager Brenda Fischer is the sole candidate for the top staffing post in the city of Glendale.

Glendale spokeswoman Jennifer Stein said the city narrowed its search to two candidates – including Fischer – on Monday, but the other candidate withdrew from the search.

Glendale’s former city manager Ed Beasley retired in June 2012. Former Scottsdale City Manager Dick Bowers was selected as the acting city manager for Glendale during the search process.

Although Fischer is the only candidate left in the search, it’s unclear if she will automatically be chosen for the job.

“The city is working with our recruitment consultant to determine the next step in the process,” Stein said, adding an inteview date for Fischer has not been set.

If she leaves, Fischer would be the third top administrator to leave Maricopa in the past six months.

In May, Danielle Casey left her job as the city’s assistant city manager to become economic development director of Scottsdale. In December, Brent Billingsley, former director of developmental services, quit to become Globe’s city manager.

Maricopa spokeswoman LaTricia Woods said Fischer is not commenting on the job search.

However, in an email sent to city staff, Fischer acknowledged she had been “named a finalist for the city manager position with the city of Glendale” and thanked city employees for their support and dedication.

She called the possible move “an extraordinary opportunity” and told staff her interview with Glendale is scheduled for June 27.

“I love Maricopa, our city team, and I’m proud of the work we’ve collectively accomplished. If I am hired in Glendale, I would leave Maricopa knowing that the city is in a wonderful position to continue to grow and flourish as a community and an organization.”

Fischer has been city manager since May 2011.