The Camp Verde Town Council, working in consultation with Columbia, Ltd., have named four finalists for the Camp Verde Town Manager position.
The finalists were selected from an original pool of 58 candidates. According to Mayor Dee Jenkins, “We were very happy to have a diverse pool of qualified finalists and are eager to learn more about each of them through the selection process. As a key leadership position at a time of significant growth and opportunity in our community, the Town Council is looking forward to finding a Manager who is excited about coming to Camp Verde, leading and maintaining a positive workplace culture built on our recently adopted Vision, Mission and Core Values, and calling Camp Verde home.”
The selection process will include several stages on April 4th and 5th, including tours of the town for each candidate, interviews with the Town’s Leadership Team, and interviews with the Town Council. The public is invited to visit with the candidates at an informal Meet and Greet that will be held on Thursday, April 4th from 5:00 – 6:30 pm in the Camp Verde Community Library. During the Meet and Greet, the candidates will each give brief, introductory remarks, followed by the opportunity for the public to visit with candidates individually.
The finalists include:
Scotty Douglass is a seasoned public management professional with 27 years of experience in local government and four years in the private sector, complemented by four years of service in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Douglass earned a Master’s Degree in Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Saint Mary’s College of California. Most recently serving as the City Manager in Cottonwood, AZ, Mr. Douglass’s other recent public administration experience includes serving as the Deputy City Manager of the City of Modesto, CA (2019-2023) and as the Executive Director of the Stanislaus County Regional 9-1-1 Joint Powers Authority (2016-2019). Mr. Douglass notes, “Since relocating my family to the Verde Valley in 2023, I’ve witnessed Camp Verde’s growth and development with enthusiasm and admiration. It is my sincere desire to contribute to the ongoing success of the Town and be an integral part of its vibrant and welcoming community.”
Miranda Fisher has served in executive management positions in the public and nonprofit sectors for the past 9 years. Ms. Fisher holds a Doctoral Degree in Public Administration from California Baptist University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Technical Communication from Colorado State University. Currently serving as the Town Administrator for the Town of Nederland, CO (2021 – present), Ms. Fisher also served as Deputy Town Administrator/Town Clerk in Nederland (2019-2021) and the Regional Director at AACRES NEVADA, LLC in Las Vegas, NV (2015-2019). Ms. Fisher notes, “As an accomplished professional with a robust background in public administration, my leadership philosophy has consistently driven my approach in fostering community collaboration, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. I am eager to bring my proven leadership and strategic planning skills to address the specific challenges and opportunities that Camp Verde is poised to encounter.”
Charles (Chad) Morris has served in various leadership positions in the City of Niceville, FL for over 25 years, including in his current position as Deputy City Manager and previously as Director of Information Systems, Director of Purchasing, Special Projects and Grants Manager. Mr. Morris earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration-Management from Troy University in Alabama, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration-Accounting from the University of West Florida in Pensacola. Mr. Morris notes, “Over the course of my 25-year career, I have consistently demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and communication abilities and am skilled at developing and leading teams to accomplish both short and long-term goals. I look forward to elaborating on how my specific skills, abilities and knowledge of municipal operations will benefit Camp Verde.”
Carla Reece is an experienced local government professional with nearly 30 years of public management service in Arizona. Ms. Reece holds a Master’s of Public Policy and a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies from American Military University. Most recently serving as the Human Resources Administrator/Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Cave Creek, AZ, Ms. Reece also served as the City Clerk for the City of Tempe (2019-2023), the Public Safety Communications Manager for the City of Casa Grande (2017-2019), the City Clerk/Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Litchfield Park (2014-2017), the District Administrator for the Northwest Fire District in southern Arizona (2010-2014) and various positions with the City of Tucson (1995-2010). Ms. Reece notes, “My character traits, values, ethical framework and intrinsic motivators correspond well with the need to form an environment of trust, respect and shared vision. I realize that growth comes with its challenges and residents may be divided on how the Town should plan for the future. My skill as a mediator and my respectful approach to active listening help form consensus and create a path to move forward with a shared vision.”
