May 16, 2025
The Lakewood City Council announced today the five finalists for the Lakewood City Manager position. Current City Manager John J. Caulfield will retire June 5, 2025.
After a competitive national search, the following candidates were chosen to advance:
- Mark Freitag
- Teri Killgore
- Scott Pingel
- Doug Russell
- Harold Stewart
The City Council invites the public to meet the finalists during a City Manager Finalist Public Reception on Tuesday, June 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the McGavick Center Ballroom at Clover Park Technical College.
At the event community members can engage with the finalists, ask questions and provide input. Attendees can share comments anonymously on cards that will be collected and reviewed by the City Council prior to finalist interviews on June 11.
Reception Itinerary:
- 7–7:30 p.m.: Informal meet and greet with finalists stationed around the room
- 7:30–8 p.m.: Finalist introduction speeches
- 8–8:30 p.m.: Continued meet and greet Light refreshments will be served.
The City Council encourages residents to attend and share their voices in this important step in selecting Lakewood’s next City Manager.
Below please find more information about each candidate.
Mark Freitag served in the US Army from 1988 until 2014, when he retired as a Colonel. During his time in the Army, he served as the Garrison Commander at Fort Hood, TX and Deputy Commander for Fort Wainwright, AK. He has served as City Manager for the City of Janesville, Wisconsin and most recently for the City of Westminster, Colorado. He has two Masters of Science Degrees in National Security Strategy and Management, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree.
Teri Killgore is the current Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale, AZ. She began in public service in 1995, and since has served as the Downtown Redevelopment Manager for the City of Chandler, Arizona, Assistant to the City Manager for the City of San Jose, and Assistant City Manager for the Cities of Vallejo, and Walnut Creek, California. Teri holds a Master of Public Administration and bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Scott Pingel has 15 years of experience as a City Manager in both Washington and Oregon. He previously served as the City Manager for the Cities of Stanfield and Dayton in Oregon. He was the City Manager of Fircrest for 5 years. Since 2022, he has been with The City of Newcastle, WA, where he serves as City Manager. He obtained his Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts degree.
Doug Russell is currently the City Manager of the City of Kalispell, Montana, where he has served since 2012. He began his career in city management as the Town Administrator for the Town of Lovell, WY in 2004. He has since worked as City Manager for The City of Arkansas City, Kansas and City of Yankton, South Dakota. Russell holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Harold Stewart is currently the City Manager of the City of Minot, North Dakota where he has served since 2021. He began his public service career with Douglas County, Kansas in 2005. He has since held city manager positions with the City of Ogallala (Nebraska), City of Knoxville (Iowa), and City of Warrensburg (Missouri). He holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor of arts degree.