10.c4 DDA Proposal
(written feedback will be obtained by DDA Staff to relay to Council after interviews)
CITY OF SCANDIA
City Administrator Search Proposal
Submitted by DDA Human Resources, Inc.
October 31, 2022
Prepared by:
Liza Donabauer
Management Consultant
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
CONTENTS OF THE PROPOSAL
■ Description of the Firm ■ Process Details
■ Approach to the Process ■ Fees
■ Service Team ■ Assurance
■ Timeline ■ References
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRM
Proudly based in Minnesota, David Drown Associates (DDA) is a full-service consulting firm with more than 20
years working with local governments providing a full range of fiscal and economic development services, along
with compensation and classification services and executive searches, to over 450 government clients
throughout Minnesota. Over these years, we have gotten to know local government well, and we have worked
hard to keep our services up to date to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.
In 2013, we expanded our scope to provide human resources services — we started with executive recruitment
and organizational studies and more recently added classification and compensation studies. Because of growth
in our human resource service area, a new human resource affiliate company was created in 2017. DDA Human
Resources Inc. currently employs eleven individuals serving cities, counties, and special districts throughout
Minnesota. The vast majority of our consultants are recent practitioners having served as Administrators or
Human Resource Managers.
We have provided executive search services to over 100 cities and counties throughout Minnesota. Therefore,
we understand the current challenges, know hundreds of potential candidates, and have our finger on the pulse
of hiring City and County Administrators and Managers anywhere in the state.
We take great pride in providing the best service at a fair and equitable price. We think you will find that our small
company is nimble, efficient, and personable. We know and understand local government, and that will always
guide our work.
APPROACH TO THE PROCES S
Our approach to this search will be to focus on finding the best fit for the City of Scandia. This is accomplished,
first and foremost, by listening to what you are saying, understanding your goals and objectives, and building the
search process off that foundation.
After gathering background information, we comprehensively advertise the position and make sure that the
posting gets into the hands of prospective candidates. In some cases, those persons are not active job seekers,
so we will make every effort to find those folks through direct outreach efforts. After the posting closes, an
analysis of candidates will be completed so that, when the semifinalists are presented to the City Council, you
will be confident that these people are the best matches from the submitted applications.
After the Council selects the finalists, these candidates will be fully researched, and all necessary hiring
information will be available prior to the Council making a decision.
Communication with the City Council is a high priority. In addition to our Consultant Liza Donabauer being on
site regularly, the City Council will receive weekly email updates, and she will always be available for questions.
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
SERVICE TEAM
LIZA DONABAUER – PROJECT LEAD
Liza came to DDA with both private and public-sector experience. With a background in
construction and finance administration, her passion for public sector work led her to
Wright County where she provided support to the HR Department, County Coordinator,
and Commissioners. While pursuing her MBA, Liza entered city management for
Clearwater, Kansas, and then later moved to Arlington, Minnesota.
During her four years in Arlington as a City Administrator, she completed a
reorganization of the administration department, developed an orientation and capital
planning process for two new councils, conducted compensation studies for several
departments, engaged in a strategic planning session, and took part in developing a leadership curriculum for
up-and-coming leaders in Sibley County. Her work has centered on human resource management, strong
community participation, and leadership development. Liza enjoys working with colleagues throughout the state
through her involvement in MCMA, a state affiliation of ICMA. She currently serves on the MCMA Women in the
Profession Committee and Annual Conference Planning Committee.
Since joining DDA, Liza has conducted over 40 Administrator/Manager and Department Director searches.
Contact Information:
liza@daviddrown.com
612-920-3320 x111
4796 Merganser Drive
St. Bonifacius, MN 55375
LIZ FOSTER
Liz is an Assistant Consultant that provides support and assistance within our Human
Resources Division. Since joining DDA in 2015, Liz has been involved in numerous
executive searches and other HR projects.
Some of Liz’s duties include community research, creating position profiles, assembling
interview materials for our clients, and providing general administrative support to our
consultants.
Contact Information:
liz@daviddrown.com
612-920-3320 x108
704 10th Ave SE
Austin, MN 55912
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
MARK CASEY
Mark joined as a Management Consultant specializing in executive searches,
strategic planning, and organizational consulting in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
In his thirty-three years of public service, Mark has served as the City Manager for
the City of St. Anthony Village, City Administrator for the City of Annandale, and
Director of Community Education for both the Annandale and Maple Lake school
districts. He also worked for the Cities of Faribault, Saint Peter, and Columbia
Heights.
Mark received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and a
master’s from St. Cloud State University. He has served on numerous boards and commissions including the
League of Minnesota Cities, Metro Cites (President), Metro Area Management Association, and the Allina
Hospital Board of Directors (Buffalo, MN), and he has been a frequent guest lecturer at the University of
Minnesota, Hamline University, and Metro State University.
Mark will assist with recruitment and consulting as needed.
Contact Information:
mark@daviddrown.com
612-920-3320 x113
2241 17th Street NW
New Brighton, MN 55112
GARY WE IERS
Prior to joining DDA in 2013, Gary had over 20 years of county government
management experience, the last 11 years as County Administrator in Rice County.
Prior to becoming Administrator, Gary served as the Social Service Department
Director in Rice County and worked as a Social Service Supervisor in Mower County
and Sherburne County. Gary received his bachelor’s degree from the University of
St. Thomas and has honed his skills by working his way up from an entry level social
worker position to be the head of a $50 million organization with over 350 employees.
Gary has worked with local governments ranging in size from a couple thousand
residents to communities of over 150,000 persons.
In addition to conducting executive searches, Gary has done work with communities on sharing services,
organizational analysis, strategic planning, and other management related work.
Gary has conducted over 80 executive searches and numerous organizational studies. Gary will assist with
recruitment and consulting as needed.
Contact Information:
gary@daviddrown.com
612-920-3320 x109
1327 Merrywood Court
Faribault, MN 55021
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
PAT MELVIN
Pat joined DDA as a Management Consultant specializing in Executive Search Services.
He has a Government and Management Degree from Saint John’s University and a Public
Administration Studies master’s degree from the University of Minnesota – Mankato
which he earned while working for the City of Edina. Pat grew from being the Special
Projects Administrator in Wright to becoming the Administrator in McLeod County and
has city experience serving as City Administrator in the Cities of Arlington and Minnetonka
Beach. While working in county and city government, Pat has been involved in numerous
aspects of local government including policy development, budgeting, human resources
(including recruiting), payroll, benefits and workplace investigations, capital improvement
plans, contract negotiations, grievance settlements, and managed a group self-insured health insurance plan.
Pat enjoys working with a team of individuals to establish goals, address concerns, and build upon success
Pat will assist with recruitment and consulting as needed.
Contact Information:
pat@daviddrown.com
612-920-3320 x116
3620 Northome Ave
Wayzata, MN 55391
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
TIMELINE
This timeline is tentative. The final timeline will be set after the City Council’s decision to proceed. The dates highlighted in
yellow indicate required Council participation.
ITEM TASK COMPLETION DATE
Decision by City Council to
proceed November 2, 2022
Information gathering
▪ Gather all pertinent background information
▪ Gather salary information and review job description
▪ Meet with staff, stakeholders, and each member of the City Council
November 14, 2022
Professional position
profile Develop position profile and advertisement November 30, 2022
Approve position profile City Council approves profile, job description, salary range, and hiring
process
December 7, 2022
Work Session
Special Meeting
Candidate recruitment
▪ Post position immediately upon approval of profile
▪ Comprehensively advertise
▪ Email and phone calls to prospective candidates
December 8, 2022-
January 5, 2023
Screening of applicants DDA will review and rank applicants based on job related criteria and
select semifinalists January 6, 2023
Personality Index DDA will administer a work-related personality index to all semifinalists January 22, 2023
Video interview Each semifinalist will complete a video interview January 22, 2023
Selection of finalists ▪ City Council selects finalists for interviews
▪ DDA will notify candidates not selected as finalists February 1, 2023
Background check of all
finalists
Includes:
▪ Criminal background: county, state, national
▪ Sex offender registry
▪ Social Security number verification
▪ Education verification
▪ Credit check
February 15, 2023
Reference check on all
finalists
DDA will conduct reference checks with current and former employers on
all finalists February 15, 2023
Intellect profile DDA will administer an intellect profile measuring verbal reasoning,
mathematical and logical reasoning, and overall mental aptitude. February 15, 2023
Finalist packet
DDA will provide the Council information including:
▪ Summary of references
▪ Results of background checks
▪ Personality index reports
▪ Video interview
▪ Resumes, etc.
February 16, 2023
Interviews
DDA will prepare all interview materials and be present at all interviews
and other functions. It is recommended that Council interviews be at a
special meeting
February 23, 2023
Special Meeting
Decision City Council will select candidate for offer February 23, 2023
Offer and agreement DDA will negotiate agreement with selected candidate February 27, 2023
Projected start date New Administrator begins March/April 2023
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
PROCESS DETAILS
STEP 1 : INFORMATION GATHERING
DDA will gather and assemble background information pertaining to the City and position. In addition, Liza will
meet individually with all Council members to discuss candidate attributes, experience, and other important
qualifications. Others will be interviewed as per the direction of the City. At the same time, the job description
will be reviewed and updated and, if needed, we will gather relevant comparative salary information for
consideration by the Council. We will quickly develop a comprehensive understanding of the organization,
community, and position.
Deliverables:
■ In-person information gathering via interviews with the Council
■ DDA receives information from the City such as organizational chart, logos/images, budgets, existing
job description, etc.
STEP 2 : DEVELOPMENT OF POSITION PROFILE
Based on the information received from the City Council, DDA will develop a professional position profile that is
customized to present the City of Scandia in the most positive manner and provides prospective candidates with
meaningful information. A draft will be presented to the City Council for consideration and approval prior to
advertising. A sample profile is attached.
Deliverables:
■ Draft profile sent to City Council for approval
■ Review and approval of job description and salary range by Council
■ Review and approve proposed search timeline for purposes of advertisement and scheduling
STEP 3 : ADVERTISEMENT AND RECRUITMENT
DDA will comprehensively advertise the position and make direct contact with possible candidates who are not
active job seekers. Some of the places the position will be advertised include League of Minnesota Cities,
International City/County Management Association, Minnesota Association of City/County Managers,
Association of Minnesota Counties, GovernmentJobs.com, and municipal associations in Iowa, Wisconsin, and
South Dakota. In addition, the posting will be shared with professional networks through the Universities of
Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Nebraska, as well as the MN Private Colleges Consortium, MN
State Universities, and other colleges and universities. Beyond the traditional advertising sites, our advertising
also penetrates diverse markets such as Woman Leading Government (WLG) and International Network of Asian
Public Administrators (I-NAPA).
Other local advertising will be done as per direction from the City. Regular communication with candidates will
occur throughout the process.
The simple DDA online application process will be used unless the City prefers to use an existing City
methodology. Our online application system enables us to efficiently manage applicant flow, and corresponding
reference information, and allows us to communicate with each applicant quickly and effectively. We are known
for our communication with both the applicant and our client which engages and informs both parties of each
step. Our system also allows us to access, review, and evaluate thousands of prior applicants who may not be
actively seeking a job but who may be open the “right opportunity.”
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
Deliverables:
■ Advertising outreach begins with posting on identified websites and social media platforms
■ Direct contact through established professional network
■ We utilize our database of identified prospective candidates to contact via email or phone call
STEP 4 : INITIAL SCREENING AND REVIEW
DDA will complete a comprehensive analysis of every application received and determine approximately 8-12
semifinalists based on job related criteria to complete a video interview. Our clients have most notably been
pleased with the video interview component of our process. Video interviews allow our clients to determine
whether they see the candidate as a good prospect for a final interview and gain additional insight on the
candidate’s education, experience, personality, as well as their ability to think on their feet, all of which has been
said to help lay the foundation for the final interview process. Access to, and viewing of, this information is as
simple as clicking on a link from the individual client’s laptop, phone, or smart device in a location and at a time
that is convenient for them. Candidate confidentiality when the Council is deliberating is maintained by assigning
and referring to each semifinalist candidate as a number. Candidates are considered public once they are chosen
as a finalist.
Each semifinalist would also complete an information disclosure and a work-related personality index. About one
week prior to selecting finalists for interviews, the information disclosure, video interview, personality index, cover
letter, and resume from each of the semifinalists will be made available to the Council for viewing. This will allow
you ample time to comprehensively review candidates prior to determining who to bring in the for the final
interviews. Upon reviewing this introductory material, DDA will then assist the Council in selecting its finalists for
final interviews. After the Council selects finalists, those not selected as finalists will be notified by DDA.
Deliverables:
■ List of approximately 8-12 semifinalists with cover letter, resume, and video interview
■ Results of personality assessment
■ Results of information disclosure that provides insight about conduct that could be viewed as impacting
one’s ability to perform the requirements of this leadership role
■ Confirm interview schedule and logistics
■ DDA will contact those not selected
STEP 5 : SELECTION
After the City Council selects finalists, DDA will complete comprehensive background screenings including
criminal history, civil court history, verification of education, driver’s license review, credit check, and other items.
Along with background checking all finalists, DDA will conduct character references with current and former
supervisors to discuss various work responsibilities, projects, initiatives, leadership style, personality
characteristics, etc.
In addition, DDA will administer an intellectual profile measuring verbal reasoning, mathematical and logical
reasoning, and overall mental aptitude.
Approximately one week prior to the final interview process, the City Council will have access to each of the
candidate’s application materials, video interview, background check results, reference information, information
disclosure, a work personality report, and an intellectual profile on each person.
Early in the search process, Liza will discuss interview possibilities including leadership staff participation or
virtual and/or in-person options for community involvement through a meet and greet event or interview panel,
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
stakeholder interviews, individual and/or full Council interviews, a community tour, lunch with leadership staff, or
other functions.
Prior to interviews, Liza will prepare questions and then facilitate all interviews and other activities the City
Council determines appropriate. Our goal is to make the process smooth and painless so the City Council can
focus all its energy on finding the right person for the job and minimize staff disruptions to ensure the City can
focus on the tasks at hand.
Deliverables:
■ List of 3 to 5 finalists, confirming interview schedule and logistics
■ Leadership staff interview panel including summary of comments
■ Community engagement opportunities with virtual options
■ Tour of the community logistics
■ Video Interview
■ Summary of References
■ Results of background checks
■ Personality Index
■ Intellect Profile
■ Information Disclosure
■ Cover letter and resume
■ Press release
STEP 6 : OFFER
After interviews are complete, Liza will assist the City Council with deliberations, and she will facilitate the offer
to the selected candidate. Liza will negotiate the terms with the candidate based on the parameters established
by the Council.
Deliverables:
■ Employment agreement
■ Press release
■ DDA will contact those not selected
STEP 7 : FOLLOW UP
DDA will make periodic contact with the new Administrator for at least the first year of employment.
Deliverables:
■ Periodic check in with new Administrator and Council representative
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
LIST OF SEARCH CLIENTS FROM THE PAST TWO YEARS
In addition to the specific references listed on the following page, the City is encouraged to speak with any of
the entities listed below:
Entity Type of Search Entity Type of Search
City of Newport, MN Administrator City of Benson, MN Manager
City of Richmond, MN Administrator/Finance Officer City of North St. Paul, MN Manager
City of Mayer, MN Administrator City of Nowthen, MN Administrator
City of North Mankato, MN Administrator City of Olivia, MN Finance Director
City of Spring Park, MN Administrator/Treasurer City of Corcoran, MN Administrator
MWMO Executive Director Des Moines Valley HHS Administrator
City of Wadena, MN Administrator City of Breezy Point, MN Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer
City of Mora, MN Administrator/Public Utility GM Kitchigami Regional Library System Director
City of North St. Paul, MN Manager Morrison County, MN Administrator
City of Norwood Young America, MN Administrator City of Winthrop, MN Administrator
City of White Bear Lake, MN Manager City of Aitkin, MN Administrator
City of Barnesville, MN Administrator Metro-INET Executive Director
City of Mahnomen, MN Administrator Kittson County, MN Administrator
Nicollet County, MN Administrator Roseau County, MN Engineer
City of Watertown, MN Administrator City of Redwood Falls, MN Finance Director
City of New Prague, MN Administrator Mahnomen County, MN Administrator
Le Sueur County, MN Administrator Jackson County, MN Administrator
City of Staples, MN Clerk/Finance Director City of Watertown, SD Manager
Waseca County, MN Public Works Dir./Engineer Kittson County, MN Engineer
Prairie Lakes Youth Programs Executive Director Hubbard County, MN Administrator
City of St. Anthony Village, MN Manager City of Cannon Falls, MN Public Works Director
City of Monticello, MN Administrator City of Paynesville, MN Administrator/ED Dir.
Beltrami County, MN Administrator Kandiyohi County, MN Administrator
DDA is currently conducting searches for the Cities of Barnesville, Crystal, Fairmont, Hawley, Pelican Rapids,
and Rockville, Minnesota, Winona County, Minnesota, Dakota 911 (Dakota Communications Center), and the
Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District.
FEES
The fee for the search process is $22,000, payable at the completion of the search. This all-inclusive fee covers
professional services and all expenses including travel, advertising, personality index, intellectual profile,
background checks on all finalists, etc.
If the City chooses to offer a travel stipend or reimbursement for expenses of the candidates, that cost is handled
directly between the City and the candidates. DDA would be available to provide input and guidance on this item.
ASSURANCE
If the newly hired Administrator leaves the organization within the first 24 months of employment, DDA will
complete another search without professional service fees. Only actual expenses will be billed to the City.
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
REF ERENCES
“Thank you again, Liza, for a well-organized, professional, and detail-oriented process/search with us. It went so
smoothly. I’ve been on Council through quite a few hires now, and this by far has been the best.”
-Charlotte Gabler, City Council Member
City of Monticello, MN
“We are very pleased with the professional services that you and your firm provided for a City Administrator. The
process was stress free and provided us with many qualified candidates; this would have been very difficult for us to
accomplish on our own. Thank you to Liza and her colleagues for guiding us from start to finish. Would highly
recommend other organizations to consider DDA Human Resources for their hiring needs.”
-Chris McKern, Mayor
City of Kasson, MN
DDA has been outstanding to work with. Liza Donabauer is fantastic and her past experience as a city administrator
and an HR manager really allows her to be especially responsive to the needs and wants of a city’s officials and
senior staff. Liza is fantastic with communication with the council and staff which helps everyone feel connected and
comfortable with the process.
-Dan Coughlin, City Administrator
City of Olivia, MN
“After working with then, City Administrator Liza Donabauer for over 2 1/2 years, I can truthfully say she is the epitome
of hard work and dedication to her profession. Her communication skills and procedures are without compare, and
she did not shy away from any challenge. I have no doubt that she will continue to provide exemplary service in any
work endeavor.”
-Rich Nagel, Mayor
City of Arlington, MN
“David Drown and Associates realize that every city has its own personality and you (Liza Donabauer) worked to
identify New Brighton’s personality to assure us the best possible candidate to become our new City Manager. The
work that was done by you prior to even advertising for the position was key to our success. You spent hours
interviewing staff, council and citizens trying to identify the qualities as well as the qualifications desired in a City
Manager for our community. The resulting documentation represented New Brighton well and encouraged numerous
qualified candidates to apply. Throughout the process, the entire Council was informed of progress and action steps
along the way.”
-Val Johnson, Mayor
City of New Brighton, MN
Brian Stumpf
Mayor, City of Monticello
City Administrator Search
Phone Number: 612-598-4016
Email: montitowing@gmail.com
Val Johnson
Former Mayor, City of New Brighton
City Manager Search
Phone Number: 651-491-3364
Email: valjohnson87@comcast.net
Dave Borchert
Board Chair, Brown County Commissioner
County Administrator Search
Phone Number: 504-354-3295
Email: commissionerdistrict1@co.brown.mn.us
Vern Rasmussen, Jr.
Mayor, City of Albert Lea
City Manager, Econ. Dev. Executive Director
(ALEDA) & HRA Executive Director Searches
Phone Number: 507-377-4330
Email: mayor@ci.albertlea.mn.us
CITY OF SCANDIA | City Administrator Search Proposal
Sample Profile