June 12, 2025
After a lengthy, in-depth process that included a national search, two days of meeting with community stakeholders, Lakewood employees, a public open house and formal interviews, the Lakewood City Council selected Doug Russell as its top choice to lead the city of Lakewood.
“The decision was made very difficult by the strength of the final candidates, all of whom had significant qualifications and strengths,” Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen said.
Out of the five candidates interviewed this week, Russell rose to the top because of his qualifications, Whalen said. The selection was validated by the comment cards submitted by Lakewood employees, stakeholders and those who attended the public meet and greet, Whalen said during discussion at the June 11, 2025 City Council special meeting.
Russell is currently the City Manager of the city of Kalispell, Montana, where he has served since 2012.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Montana State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado at Denver, Russell began his career in local government management, serving as a city manager for communities in Wyoming, Kansas and South Dakota.
He is recognized as a Certified Manager (ICMA-CM) by the International City/County Management Association, a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) by the Government Finance Officers Association, is accredited in public relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America, and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.
During discussion about why Russell was chosen, council members spoke to specific examples of projects he helped move to completion while in Kalispell.
This includes revitalizing the downtown area, growing economic development and completing park projects for the roughly 31,000 people who call Kalispell home. These goals align with the Lakewood City Council’s current vision and goals for Lakewood. City Council members stated they believe Russell is the right person to help take Lakewood to the next level.
Following its vote to offer Russell the position, the City Council approved a motion to authorize Whalen and key city staff to negotiate a proposed contract of employment.
The City Council could act on the contract as early as its next meeting, Monday, June 16. Once finalized the contract will include salary information, a start date and further details about the transition.