Mayor Mark S. Nexsen and the members of the City Council are pleased to announce that Jess Knudson has been selected as the City Manager for Lake Havasu City. Knudson currently is Assistant Town Manager of Florence, Arizona, where he has served in progressively responsible roles since 2004. He also serves as the Public Information Officer for Florence. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.  Mayor Nexsen says “Jess Knudson stood out among the candidates for his education, experience, interpersonal skills and desire to become a part of our community.”

Knudson was selected from among 58 candidates in a national recruitment facilitated by Dallas-based Springsted | Waters Executive Recruitment. The City Council selected four finalists who were interviewed November 27 and 28 in Lake Havasu City.  The City Council also interviewed candidates from Illinois, Missouri and a current city employee. In addition to the interviews with the City Council, the candidates received a guided city tour and participated in a stakeholder reception.

Knudson, who will begin work in Lake Havasu City on December 30, 2017, will report directly to the Mayor and City Council and coordinate the efforts of 452 full-time equivalent employees and administer a total budget of $155.2 million. “Lake Havasu City has a tremendous reputation and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Knudson commented.  “With direction from the Mayor and City Council and the assistance of a highly accomplished and dedicated staff, I eagerly embrace the opportunity to serve Lake Havasu City.”