Ketchikan Council selects Glenn Adams as new city manager

The Ketchikan City Council voted 6–1 Sunday to hire Glenn Adams as city manager and general manager of Ketchikan Public Utilities.

Adams brings 26 and a half years of military experience managing facilities for billion-dollar projects and leading crisis operations in Iraq and Japan. He told the council he is drawn to complex problems, including utility infrastructure needs and balancing tourism impacts with residents' quality of life.

The council interviewed four finalists Sunday after a recruitment process that drew more than 30 applicants. Three candidates appeared in person. Unalaska interim city manager Abner Hogue interviewed virtually. The interviews lasted nearly five hours before the council moved into executive session.

Councilmember Jai Mahtani cast the sole dissenting vote. He said afterward he would support the will of the council and the incoming manager.

Adams previously served as interim city manager in Martinsville, Virginia, and as city manager in Santa Fe, Texas. He also worked as chief of staff at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The council directed the recruitment consultant to negotiate contract terms. A start date will be set by contract.