Haines Public Facilities Director Brad Ryan is among five short-listed applicants being considered for borough manager in Skagway.

Ryan, who is set for a phone interview this week, said he’s attracted to the position for some exciting “big picture” things happening in Skagway.

“They are negotiating a dock lease with Princess (cruise lines), they’re looking at their ferry authority, they have a pretty cool plan design going forward for a $16 million rec center slash pool,” he said. “And it’s a manager’s job, so it’s a step up.”

Ryan has worked as director in Haines since 2015, and twice served as interim manager.

He applied for the permanent position in 2017, but lost against current manager Debra Schnabel despite wide community support. He was offered a managerial position in Dillingham later that year, but turned in down in favor of a $7,000 raise in Haines.

Following phone interviews later this month, three candidates will be selected by a search committee for in-person public interviews in front of the Skagway Borough Assembly.

Among the other applicants are former municipal managers from California, Maine, Maryland and Michigan.

Skagway has not had a permanent manager since July 2018 when Scott Hahn left after five years. Former Mayor Stan Selmer is filling in until a permanent hire is made.

Author