Greeley City Manager Raymond C. Lee III Resigns, Brian McBroom Named Acting Manager
Greeley City Manager Raymond C. Lee III is leaving his position to explore new opportunities, with Director of Community Development Brian McBroom appointed to serve as acting city manager starting December 3.
Greeley City Council voted 7-0 on November 10 to accept Lee's resignation and approve McBroom's appointment during a special meeting. Lee's final day is scheduled for December 2.
"The City Council is dedicated to selecting the most suitable candidate for the permanent City Manager position, ensuring that this individual will prioritize the community's best interests and strategically advance Greeley's development," said Mayor John Gates.
Lee has served as Greeley's city manager since February 2022, according to United Way of Weld County. During his tenure, he oversaw major economic initiatives including a 2024 partnership with Rockies Venture Club to support entrepreneurial development using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, according to the City of Greeley.
The city manager position oversees daily municipal operations and implements policy decisions made by City Council. Under Greeley's council-manager system of government, the seven-member City Council sets policies while the appointed city manager handles administrative responsibilities.
McBroom Brings Substantial Municipal Management Experience
McBroom served as city manager of Commerce City from 2012 until his retirement in October 2021. During his nine years leading the metro Denver suburb, he managed city growth, oversaw redevelopment of the Derby neighborhood, and directed major infrastructure upgrades.
He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology with an urban studies focus from the University of Michigan.
McBroom currently serves as Greeley's director of community development. In his acting manager role, he will assist in city operations and provide support while City Council searches for a permanent city manager.
Mayor-elect Dale Hall and four newly elected council members will be sworn in November 18, creating a transition period where new elected leadership will participate in selecting the permanent city manager.
Nationwide Search to Begin for Permanent Manager
City Council will launch a nationwide search for a permanent city manager to fill the leadership role. The city has not released specific details about the search timeline or how residents can participate.
Typical city manager recruitment processes in Colorado municipalities take four to eight months and often involve executive search firms that conduct national outreach, candidate vetting and background checks, according to the Colorado Municipal League. Mid-sized Colorado cities typically spend $30,000 to $60,000 for search firm services, executive vetting and candidate site visits.
Many Colorado municipalities incorporate community engagement through surveys, stakeholder panels and public meetings with finalist candidates before City Council makes final selections.
Under Greeley's Home Rule Charter, City Council holds sole responsibility for appointing and removing the city manager. The council also appoints the city attorney and municipal judge, adopts annual budgets and sets tax levies.
Information about the city manager search will be available at greeleyco.gov/government/city-administration/city-council as details are finalized.