On Tuesday afternoon, the Shawnee City Commission gathered for a Special Call meeting, going into executive session to consider the employment of an interim city manager while the board seeks a replacement for the post after the abrupt resignation of Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer last week.

After two and a half hours behind closed doors, Ward 1 Shawnee City Commissioner Daniel Matthews made a motion to appoint Assistant City Manager Mark Simpson to the role of interim, as well as authorizing the city attorney to set up a contract according to the terms that had been discussed. The board unanimously approved the motion.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to step into this role and continue working alongside the community and city team to build opportunities and navigate any future challenges,” Simpson said. “Working together, we will strive to ensure a seamless transition and build upon the foundation already in place.”

Before Simpson became assistant city manager in July, he worked with the Shawnee Fire Department (since 2010). Prior coming to Shawnee, Simpson worked in the private sector focusing on water cleaning infrastructure, associated products and services, and equipment sales. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business
Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma.

The other order of business on the special call agenda, item No. 3, was “consideration to determine the process for selection of a permanent city manager.”

Reading from his notes, Mayor Eric Stephens made a motion to “form a non-quorum committee of commissioners to present a recommendation to the full commission for a city-manager-hiring process and committee recommendations including staff.”

Though there was no discussion of the item, he also named three to the committee: himself, Ward 4 City Commissioner Ashley Fichtner and Ward 3 City Commissioner Chris Odneal.

The motion was seconded by Matthews and was unanimously approved.

Watch for updates.