Newport To Evaluate 27 Candidates For City Manager

NEWPORT, RI — The hiring process for Newport's next city manager is moving into its next phase.

City officials said they have reviewed applications for 27 candidates from 13 states, following the candidate search ending on Jan. 15.

During a pair of executive sessions held in January, the Newport City Council worked with the city's human resource office to identify next steps in the selection process. That process is set to begin with a three-member screening committee comprised of some of Rhode Island's top state and municipal management professionals, which the council will select, according to city officials.

The committee has been tasked with recommending candidates based on their management credentials and experience, reviewing applications that have had personally identifying information removed.

Names of the committee will remain confidential until the screening process is completed, which city officials say should be done by Feb. 15. Then, the top five candidates and up to five alternates will be recommended to move on to a series of council-led interviews.

Many of the questions candidates will be asked will come from a public survey, which city officials will launch on Feb. 15 and conclude at the end of the month.

City officials said the first round of interviews will likely be held via Zoom for cost-effectiveness, with a second and final round of interviews slated to be held in person before a final determination is made.

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