Council selects ‘headhunter’ to fill post

Councilman Jake Meza and William Sealock, Jr. (flanked by Interim Town Manager Joe Waltz and Town Attorney Doug Napier) discuss issues at Tuesday evening’s work session. Photo by Norma Jean Shaw

FRONT ROYAL — After a discussion on the merits of using staff versus an executive “headhunting” firm in the search for a new town manager, the Front Royal Town Council reached a 3-2 majority consensus at Tuesday evening’s work session to use a familiar consultant, Springsted, Inc., for the task.

Jacob Meza, John Connolly and Bébhinn Egger favored taking the consultant path, with Eugene Tewalt and Bill Sealock preferring an internally-directed search through the Human Resources Department.

Front Royal Director of Human Resources Julie Bush was at the meeting and said she would be happy to perform the task of advertising for applicants, and following through on the steps needed to provide the council with a strong pool of candidates from which to pick.

Interim Town Manager Joe Waltz stressed that while his staff was capable and competent of conducting the search, he cited the timeliness factor, as compared to having a dedicated search performed by a contracted firm.

Councilman Jacob Meza, who has hiring duties as part of his job, said he supported a professional firm doing the search because it was a “high-profile deal” and would remove any bias that might exist if the hiring were to be done from within.  He explained that having an outside professional who places candidates would have a “clearer lens” through which to view each candidate.

Bébhinn Egger also supported having the executive search firm involved in the hiring process, saying that there was already a perceived bias regarding who would be appointed to fill the vacant seat on the panel.

Waltz said a contract with Springsted would not take effect before mid-February and it would likely be 90-120 days beyond that date before the position would be filled.