Loveland council taps Brian Waldes as interim city manager

Brian Waldes was named acting city manager for Loveland in a 9-0 City Council vote, according to a city news release. Waldes, who is the city’s deputy city manager and chief financial officer, will work with City Manager Jim Thompson before Thompson retires July 7.

Waldes is scheduled to take over at 5 p.m. July 7 and serve until a permanent city manager is selected. The council also expressed interest in a national search for the permanent position, and city officials said work is underway to identify options.

In a statement, Waldes said he was humbled by the appointment and said he has learned about Loveland’s strengths and challenges during his four years with the city. Thompson said he fully supported council’s decision and said he will work closely with Waldes through the transition.

Waldes has more than 20 years of experience in local government and has been on Loveland’s executive leadership team since 2022. He first served as chief financial officer and later became deputy city manager/CFO, overseeing finance, communication and engagement, information technology, and the city’s unified department that includes cultural services, golf, library, open lands and trails, and parks and recreation.

Before joining Loveland, Waldes was director of finance and information technology for the Town of Breckenridge, where he managed a 17-person department overseeing financial, IT and clerk functions. The Colorado Government Finance Officers Association named him its 2024 Finance Professional of the Year, according to the city.