Doug Bartosh took over as Cottonwood City Manager Jan. 24, 2008.
After almost eleven years on the job, Bartosh will be replaced Monday, Jan. 7, by Ron Corbin, currently the deputy city administrator for the city of Yuma.
Cottonwood City Council members unanimously selected Corbin as their top choice for Cottonwood city manager and will vote at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, on whether to approve his contract.
If approved, Corbin’s starting salary under the proposed employment contract will be $150,000.
Corbin was one of four finalists that the council interviewed, after a months- long recruitment drive by the Novak Consultant Group starting in June. More than 100 applicants were whittled down to a shortlist, of which the council chose the four finalists who visited Cottonwood for in person interviews the weekend of Nov. 14 through 17.
Corbin was joined as a finalist by Don Bessler, until recently the Public Works director of Tempe; Robert Joseph, assistant city manager for Montrose, Colo.; and Cottonwood’s Deputy City Manager Rudy Rodriguez.
The City Council called both Corbin and Joseph back for second-round interviews, before all members selected Corbin as its top choice.
“Ron’s broad background and experience will be an asset to the organization as we continue to move our community forward,” Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski wrote in a press release announcing the choice. “This is a decision the council easily reached consensus on. We are all excited to welcome Mr. Corbin to the team and eager to get to work.”
Corbin has Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in education from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Administration from Northern Arizona University.
In addition to his current job as deputy city administrator, Corbin has spent time in Yuma as human resources director and interim chief information officer. He has spent 16 years in local government work, the past four being in Yuma.
Elinski said that Corbin’s experience in human resources was a key advantage that led to the council selecting him.
“Corbin just stood out because he presented a better plan to the council on what his first year in the position would look like,” Elinski said. “Because of his background in human resources, he’s very familiar with all departments of the city. Human resources is the one department in the city that’s connected to every other department. He’s got familiarity with all departments and I think he understands the council is looking for ways to find new efficiencies in the way we provide our services. I think he’s going to be better able to assist us with those goals.”
“I am honored that the City Council is considering me for the city manager position,” Corbin said in a press release. “I look forward to working with city staff and our elected officials and serving Cottonwood citizens as we work together to achieve our community goals. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work in such an amazing community. I am excited to be joining the city team.”
Jon Hecht can be reached at 634-8551, or email jhecht@larsonnewspapers.com
