The Fort Smith Board of Directors have made no known public effort to begin a search for a city administrator almost 8 months after the December 2024 firing of former City Administrator Carl Geffken. But several directors say that will soon change.
Geffken was hired to be the Fort Smith city administrator in March 2016 with a salary of $175,000. His annual salary when he was fired was $204,513. Jeff Dingman was named acting city administrator following Geffken’s dismissal.
Several directors in late May and early June said they were eager to begin the search process for a city administrator, but no known action has since happened.
Director and Vice Mayor Jarred Rego recently said once an internal auditor is hired it will be time to focus on hiring a city administrator. He said he plans on soon “speaking out strongly” to begin a process that will “identify a permanent city administrator.”
The director of internal audit is only one of two top city jobs directly hired by the board, with the other being the city administrator. The board in April was forced to reverse its decision to hire Rebecca Cowan as internal auditor when it was discovered she faced felony charges. The position has been vacant since April 1, 2024, when Tracey Shockley resigned after nine years with the city. The board recently has interviewed three candidates for the auditor job.
Director George Catsavis said he plans to seek a “special study session” to get the process moving and “hopefully we can get this position (administrator) filled before the first of the year.”
Director Christina Catsavis said the community expects the board to make “key hires in a timely and transparent way.”
“I believe we need to begin the formal search for a new city administrator without further delay,” she noted in a response to questions from Talk Business & Politics. “It’s been nearly eight months since the position was vacated, and while interim leadership has provided continuity, this role is simply too important to remain unfilled any longer, without a permanent administrator in place, we risk losing momentum on key initiatives and a lack of clear direction moving forward.”
Director André Good is holding firm to his belief that the board should hire Dingman, noting that he has “the needed institutional knowledge as well as a good working relationship with staff and city leaders.” But if the board is not willing to hire Dingman, Good said he would support a nationwide search.
“I believe Fort Smith has many qualities that could attract well qualified candidates,” Good said. “Low cost of living, great people, great health and educational facilities, knowledgeable city staff, growth, promising economic opportunities, and more. But, we also have our share of challenges.
Director Lee Kemp also supports giving Dingman a chance, noting that he has “provided steady and capable leadership” since being named acting city administrator. Kemp said Dingman has “helped maintain continuity and progress on major city initiatives.” Kemp also said the board plans to review Dingman’s job performance during an Aug. 16 executive session.
“I believe this meeting will be a key opportunity for the Board to evaluate before making decisions about the permanent role or timeline moving forward,” Kemp said. “The Board has also intentionally given Jeff the chance to demonstrate his ability to handle the responsibilities of the role and lead the City through this critical season.”
Director Neal Martin said he would like to see the top job “filled in the next few months.”