City Manger Picked

I wanted to take a few moments to provide you with an update related to the selection process for the next City Manager of Arvada. After an extensive search of candidates from across the nation, Mark Deven (the current City manager of Woodland, California) has been decided upon as the person to succeed Craig Kocian this fall.
This decision was difficult considering the quality of all of the candidates who were considered for this critical post within the organization. It was the thoughtful and vital assistance provided by citizens, business leaders and City staff involved in the overall selection process that offered Council the essential information to make the best decision possible in moving forward in the next chapter of our history.
We have accomplished so much as a City under the outstanding leadership of Craig, and it is the expectation of the entire City Council that Mark will provide the same level of guidance, expertise and dedication that has become the standard set by Craig and the entire employee body.
Mayor Bob Frie

Mark G. Deven

City Manager, City of Woodlands, Woodland, CA (Left)

Goodbye Maria Vanderkolk

Goodbye Maria, for those of you who don't know Maria was the chief architect of the print version of the Arvada Report every month. She was responsible for ensuring the Arvada Report showed the City in the best possible light and only printed meaningless stories that had nothing to do with what was actually going on. Well, goodbye Maria we will miss you; but not your editorial skills. Maria's husband owns the Ace Hardware in the Triangle redevelopment project. 


Maria Vanderkolk has announced she is leaving the City of Arvada. This is how the letter read:


From: Maria Vanderkolk [mailto:maria-v@arvada.org]

Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011

To: Undisclosed Recipients 

Subject: my resignation

Hi folks.  Wasn't sure who to send this to so I figured I'd cover my bases!

In any event, I don't know if you've heard, but I am resigning my position 

at the City effective June 10 and starting a new job in downtown Denver on 

June 13.  While I hope to return to Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis, at least for a

little while I need to figure out my flexibility with the new company.  So

effective immediately, please accept my resignation from Arvada Jefferson

and I hope to see you again soon!

Maria VanderKolk

Assistant City Manager 

Public Information Officer (Propaganda Officer)

City of Arvada

8101 Ralston Road

Arvada, CO  80001

It seems that since Mr. Kocian has announced his departure everyone is quitting. Bill Ray of course is desperately looking for a new post, but none of the municipalities seem to want him to work for them.