For Immediate Release

Back to Littleton Press Room

Littleton City Manager Finalists Announced

The Littleton City Council announced today the names of the finalists for the city manager’s position. They are:

Gary F. Klaphake. He has been the city administrator of Lafayette, Colorado since 1998. Previously, he was the town administrator at Estes Park, Colorado from 1988 to 1998, and the city administrator of Fairmont, Minnesota from 1983 to 1988. Klaphake earned a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in urban affairs from St. Cloud State University.

Michael M. Penny. He has been the town manager of Frisco, Colorado since 2004. Previously, he was the city administrator of Ouray, Colorado from 2002 to 2004, and the development review manager for Boulder, Colorado from 1998 to 2002. Penny earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach.

Stephen Rasmussen. He was the city administrator of Jefferson City, Missouri from 2006 to 2011. Previously, he was city administrator of Ottumwa, Iowa from 2002 to 2006, and assistant to the city administrator of Maryland Heights, Missouri from 1999 to 2002. Rasmussen earned a master’s degree in international affairs from Salve Regina University, a master’s degree in English from Syracuse University, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the United States Air Force Academy.

Derek C. Todd. He was the town administrator in Frederick, Colorado from 2005 to 2011. He previously served as assistant to the chief administrative officer in Renton, Washington from 2000 to 2005 and management analyst from 1998 to 2000. He earned a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University.

Joseph F. Wade. He has been the village administrator for the Village of Morton Grove, Illinois since 2005. He was assistant village manager/personnel director for the Village of Glenview, Illinois from 1988 to 2005 and was assistant to the village manager from 1985 to 1988. He earned a master’s degree in human resources management from Loyola University, a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University, and bachelor’s degrees in public administration and history from Northern Illinois University.

The five finalists will be available to meet the public at a reception August 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Littleton Museum, 6028 South Gallup Street. They will participate in an interview process with city council and department directors August 23 and 24. The city council is expected to discuss a contract with the new city manager September 6. The city council has contracted with Mercer Group to assist them in the selection process.

Littleton City Manager Jim Woods announced his retirement March 2, 2011 effective September 30, 2011. Woods served as Littleton’s city manager since September, 1999. He previously served as Littleton’s deputy city manager from 1987 to 1999. He was the city’s community development director from 1984 to 1987.

A reception to recognize Woods 27-year career will be held Friday, September 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Littleton Center, 2255 West Berry Avenue. A tribute to Woods will take place at 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.