Months after the death of City Manager Daniel McKeever, Falls Church officials are laying the groundwork for finding a full-time top administrator.
The City Council has formed a subcommittee to determine what it will look for in a new city manager, who will be tasked with running the small city’s operations and enacting council policy. Officials won’t likely begin the search until next year, Mayor Robin Gardner said.
“We want to make sure that whoever is in that position knows what the goals of the city are,” Gardner said. “As the city grows, the goals of the city change.”
Meanwhile, Assistant City Manager Wyatt Shields assumed the role in an acting capacity, but will be considered for the full-time position, Gardner said. Shields has been “keeping the city running smoothly,” according to the mayor.
McKeever, 57, died in July of complications from melanoma. He had held the job of city manager since June of 2000. About 350 people attended memorial services for McKeever.
“I don’t think we’re in any rush to make a quick decision. We want to be very thoughtful in our process,” Gardner said.
