Hodgson will become city’s top administrator
Kathy Hodgson
LAKEWOOD – Kathy Hodgson, a 30-year city employee will replace controversial City Manager Mike Rock when he retires in September.
Hodgson, currently director of Lakewood’s Community Resources Department, was selected by City Council from a field of six finalists earlier this week, but the decision was not announced until Wednesday.
“Lakewood is a great community, and I will continue my commitment to encouraging open public discussions and involvement,” Hodgson said in a written statement released by City Hall.
Hodgson started her career with the city as a lifeguard and has worked in a number of management positions. For the past nine years, she has directed the Community Resources Department.
“It is my intention to establish a relationship with the community in a broader sense than done in the past as the Community Resources Director,” Hodgson told the Edge. “I am interested in listening to new ideas, and leading the City with open and inclusive discussions.”
Hodgson said she plans to move to Lakewood.
Mayor Bob Murphy will take part in hammering out the details of Hodgson’s contract.
“Kathy has been involved with Lakewood for nearly three decades. The community knows her, and she knows the community,” Murphy said.
As city manager, Hodgson inherits a number of major projects as well as the fallout from some of them.
“I want to build on the assets already in place in Lakewood, ensuring the successful integration of the West Corridor Light Rail, St. Anthony’s Hospital, and the Rooney Valley development,” she said.
The Department of Community Resources is comprised of seven divisions and manages the city’s 98 parks, two golf courses, four recreation centers, a community center for senior citizens, arts and cultural programs and facilities, the city’s Family Services programs including Head Start and early childhood services.
Hodgson told the Edge she’s going to take a bit of time to collect her thoughts on her new role directing the city’s staff as well as making sure the duties of her current role are met.
“I care dearly about this organization and this department because I’ve a been part of this department since 1980. I want to ensure that the leadership is strong and it continues in that exceptional way it operates in today,” Hodgson said. “Frankly, I really look forward to this weekend, it’s a holiday weekend and it gives me a chance to truly spend some time and be thoughtful about it.”
The past week was a whirlwind of activity for Hodgson, City Council and the five other finalists. Council and staff conducted extensive interviews with each of the applicants last week in advance of Monday’s selection, which was made during an executive session.
No vote was mentioned in Wednesday’s news release.
Hodgson holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She recently completed a senior executive’s program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Two other Lakewood administrators – Finance director Larry Dorr and Public Works director Jay Hutchison were among the field of finalists for the job. The other three were Elizabeth Link, former director of development for Mills Corp., which developed the Colorado Mills shopping center in Lakewood; Lafayette City Manager Gary Klaphake; and former Tucson City Manager Mike Hein.
Rock, who was hired as city manager in 1992, announced his plan to retire last February.
Lakewood has made the right decision. And although there are still a few bitter baseball park grandmothers, the city is going to be great overall.
If working 30 years for one city isn’t commitment and loyalty, I don’t know what is.
I feel confident in Kathy leading this city, and, like J said, we truly are fortunate to have her representing us.
The appointment of Kathy Hodgson, while perhaps better than the other candidates which included a former City Manager of Tuscon who was fired in April 09 for financial missteps, comes with its own set of issues.
In 2008 Ms. Hodgson lied at a City Council meeting when she told the Council that 300 or 400 people had voiced support for a particular project. At a later meeting she corrected herself when it turned out that the number of comments was less than 20 and 73% of those were opposed to the project. Her eagerness to tell the City Council what they wanted to hear is worrisome at best and continues the trend we’ve seen from City employees. Lesson One: If you don’t know the real answer, don’t make one up.
And, why is it that this 30 year employee who loves Lakewood so much is only now “planning to move to Lakewood?”
There is a difference between the best of a poor slate and the best choice. Don’t kid yourself, J, the “Murphtones” love this choice. After all, they made it.
Congratulations Lakewood………
I must admit, I was convinced the Murphtones would select Rocky’s Clone, but they proved me wrong – bravo.
Kathy is an genuine, sensitive, and honorable leader with sound intentions for the City of Lakewood. She has proven deep loyalty and real “admiration”. We are truly fortunate to have Kathy representing us.