March 8, 2014
by Mary Rupert
Doug Bach, deputy Unified Government administrator, was named the UG’s administrator today, replacing Dennis Hays.
Bach was chosen by Mayor Mark Holland and confirmed by a 9-0 vote of the UG Commission Saturday, March 8.
Serving as deputy administrator since 2003, Bach started with the local government in 1991, when he was employed as a budget analyst.
Hays, who retired on March 6, was the only administrator the combined city and county government has had, serving since consolidation in 1997.
Bach was nominated by Mayor Mark Holland and confirmed by UG Commissioners on a 9-0 vote about 8 a.m. Saturday. The commission was holding a strategic planning session at City Hall.
The commission hired a search firm that conducted a national search, with over 100 interested candidates and 39 resumes presented, Holland said. The mayor interviewed eight candidates. Three finalists were interviewed and presented to the commission during a closed UG session.
“I said from the beginning I thought this should be a nationwide search,” Mayor Holland said, based on the quality of the candidates.
“In looking at the resumes we saw nationally and from the interviews, Doug is our clear choice today,” Holland said.
“Doug has said he looks forward to working with the commission and with myself as we continue to create the vision we share with the community,” he said.
Bach said he would like to keep improving the community, with more emphasis on neighborhoods, and also working with the goals the commission has laid out.
Commissioner Mike Kane said it would be hard to fill former Administrator Dennis Hays’ shoes, but Bach is a good selection. He cited his number of years of experience. Kane said it was important that the commission voted unanimously in favor of him.
Commissioner Jane Winkler Philbrook said, “I think he has the right background. He’s been here long enough to know the ropes, and he’s excited about moving into the leadership role. I think he’ll shine. He really cares about this community.
“He knows what we want and he’s willing to work with us,” she said.