Steamboat Springs City Manager has announced he is retiring. He plans to work through January. Suiter has been City Manager since June of 2016.
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs.
City Manager Gary Suiter Announces Retirement Plans
Anticipated January Departure After The New Year
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-September 13, 2024-City Manager Gary Suiter announced his plans for retirement to City Council and city staff this week with an anticipated departure around the end of January after the New Year.
“Steamboat Springs is a special place and I have truly loved my tenure with the city, but the timing just seems right,” commented Suiter. “The city is in a good position for this change with a talented staff and processes in place to address its most pressing issues. I want to thank this City Council and the previous councils I have worked with for their confidence and support.”
Suiter officially became the City Manager in June 2016 after serving in the interim role for eight months. When he accepted the position, he committed to four years and recently celebrated his eighth anniversary with the city.
Over his nearly decade in the position, he has steered the organization through ever changing seas including the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic, various annexation iterations for West Steamboat, a new era for the police department including the new combined law enforcement facility, and saw voters pass the first property tax for fire services.
Before leaving the position, Suiter will open the doors on the new City Hall, Downtown Fire Station, and Civic Plaza. The project will not only transform a two-block section of downtown into a civic campus, but also how the city works together and does business with the community. The campus will redefine municipal services bringing modern technologies and efficiencies for the benefit of residents across the city for decades to come.
“Gary’s extensive knowledge and experience as a City Manager has been an incredible asset for Steamboat Springs” said City Council President Gail Garey. “He is well respected and cares deeply about our community and everyone who calls this place home. We are grateful for his leadership and his service. He will be missed.”
The process to appoint a new City Manager will begin immediately and will likely involve a national search firm with opportunities for candidate meet and greets, staff and council interviews, and other community outreach opportunities.
“Leaving a job you love is never easy, but I’m excited to start the next phase and spend more time with family and friends,” continued Suiter. “The community is fortunate to have such a dedicated city staff to steer the boat onward.”