City Manager Finalists Announced

The City of Independence has selected four experienced municipal leaders as finalists in its nationwide search for the next City Manager. Residents are invited to meet the candidates at a public meet-and-greet on Sunday, March 1, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Independence Uptown Market.

The finalists are:

Troy D. Anderson, MPA, AICP

Assistant City Manager, City of Wichita, Kansas

Troy Anderson brings more than 20 years of municipal leadership experience in economic development, capital planning, and strategic growth. As Assistant City Manager in Wichita, he helps guide a city with an annual budget exceeding $750 million and a 10-year Capital Improvement Program totaling more than $3 billion. He leads major development initiatives, negotiates complex public-private partnerships, and works closely with elected officials and regional partners to advance business attraction, workforce development, and downtown revitalization efforts.

Scot H. Rigby, MPA

Former City Manager, City of Edmond, Oklahoma

Scot Rigby has more than 25 years of executive municipal experience, including service as City Manager and Assistant City Manager in large, full-service cities. As City Manager of Edmond, Oklahoma, he oversaw all municipal operations and delivered consecutive balanced budgets while advancing more than $500 million in water and wastewater infrastructure projects. He secured over $240 million in state and federal funding and led major capital initiatives supporting public safety, transportation, and community development.

Marie Peoples, PhD, MPH

City Manager, City of Webster Groves, Missouri

Marie Peoples currently serves as City Manager for Webster Groves, Missouri, where she leads a full-service city of 24,000 residents. She successfully eliminated a multi-million-dollar structural deficit, secured voter approval of a $22.1 million infrastructure bond, and led the City's first comprehensive plan in decades. Previously, she served as Deputy County Manager for Coconino County, Arizona, overseeing more than 20 departments and 800 employees and serving as Incident Commander during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Jeffrey W. Dingman, JD, MPA, ICMA-CM

Acting City Administrator and Deputy City Administrator, City of Fort Smith, Arkansas

Jeff Dingman is an ICMA Credentialed Manager with nearly 30 years of experience in local government. In Fort Smith, Arkansas, he oversees operations for a city of nearly 90,000 residents with a $166 million operating budget and more than 1,000 employees. He has twice been appointed Acting City Administrator and has extensive experience in public works, planning and zoning, utilities, and administrative services. He previously served as City Administrator in Baldwin City, Kansas, and Assistant County Administrator in Sebastian County, Arkansas.

Public Meet and Greet

Residents are encouraged to attend an informal open-house event to meet all four finalists. There will be no formal presentations; attendees may speak directly with candidates and share perspectives with City leadership.

Sunday, March 1
6-7:30 p.m.
Independence Uptown Market

About the Search Process

The finalists were selected with assistance from SGR, a national executive search firm specializing in local government recruitment. The firm developed the recruitment profile and evaluation criteria using input from the City Council, staff, and community stakeholders.

Applications were reviewed, and semifinalist interviews were held in January; finalist interviews will be held in March. A final selection is expected this spring.

About the City Manager Role

The City Manager serves as Independence's chief administrative officer, appointed by and reporting to City Council. The role oversees all municipal operations across City departments, including Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Finance, the Fire Department, the Police Department, Internal Services, Independence Power & Light, and Municipal Services.

Currently, Lisa Reynolds serves as the interim city manager of Independence. Zach Walker departed in October 2025 after nearly 10 years in the position.

Media Inquiries, contact:

Rebecca Gannon
Public Information Officer