Eagle Town Council Promotes Melissa Daruna to Manager

Snow-capped mountains loom over the town of Eagle, a backdrop for the latest development in local government — the promotion of Melissa Daruna to town manager. The unanimous decision by the Eagle Town Council on Tuesday marks a new chapter for the town. Daruna's appointment comes after a process that began when former Town Manager Larry Pardee left on December 12.

The town charter dictates the process for hiring a new town manager, which includes posting the position, interviewing candidates, and selecting a hire. However, the town council decided to open the position internally first, resulting in a single applicant — Melissa Daruna. Town Attorney Richard Peterson-Cremer noted that the council created a job description and goals for the search before making this decision.

Daruna's new role comes with a two-year term and a base salary of $225,000, subject to annual appropriation in the town's budget process. The town will also provide her with health, retirement, paid leave, and other employment benefits. Mayor Bryan Woods praised Daruna, citing her exceptional leadership skills, strong listening abilities, and sound judgment. Woods also highlighted Daruna's ability to balance the big picture with clear, actionable plans, as well as her commitment to fiscal responsibility and collaboration.

Daruna joined the town of Eagle in 2023 as assistant town manager and was called upon to serve in the interim role after Pardee's departure. She demonstrated a strong understanding of the town's operations, priorities, and people, earning the confidence of the town council and staff. Prior to her role in Eagle, Daruna served as executive director of Keep It Colorado, a statewide conservation nonprofit, and spent nine years working in local government.

As town manager, Daruna will focus on long-term planning, responsible financial management, and organizational stability, while fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture. She is known for valuing people, listening to diverse perspectives, and leading with intention. Daruna expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the town of Eagle, citing the organization's dedicated people and her excitement to work alongside staff, council, and the community.

The town of Eagle has a population of around 7,500 people and is nestled in the Rocky Mountains. The local economy is driven by a mix of tourism, retail, and outdoor recreation. As the new leader, Daruna will be responsible for guiding the town's development and growth, while balancing the needs of its residents and the environment.

Make no mistake, Daruna's appointment is a significant development for the town of Eagle. The town council's unanimous decision suggests a strong vote of confidence in her abilities. However, the real test of her leadership will come in the months and years ahead, as she navigates the complexities of local government and works to address the town's challenges.

The short version is that Daruna's promotion is a done deal, and she is now responsible for leading the town of Eagle. What happens next will depend on how she handles the town's growth, development, and environmental concerns. The town council's decision to appoint her internally, rather than conducting a broader search, may also raise questions about the town's hiring practices and commitment to diversity.

Read that again, the town council's decision to promote Daruna internally, with no external candidates considered, may be worth watching in the future. The town's charter dictates the process for hiring a town leader, but it does not require an external search. This approach may be efficient, but it also limits the pool of potential candidates and may not bring in fresh perspectives or new ideas.

As the town of Eagle moves forward under Daruna's leadership, folks around here will be keeping a close eye on her performance and the town's progress. The town's budget, development plans, and environmental initiatives will all be subject to scrutiny, and Daruna will be expected to balance competing interests and priorities. This will cost taxpayers $225,000 per year, plus benefits; that's a significant investment in the town's leadership.

The town council's decision to provide Daruna with a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and paid leave, is also noteworthy. This package is likely to be a significant expense for the town, and it will be important to monitor how these benefits impact the town's budget and finances.

In the end, Daruna's success will depend on her ability to lead the town of Eagle effectively, make tough decisions, and balance competing interests. The town council's unanimous decision to appoint her suggests a strong vote of confidence, but it is up to Daruna to deliver results and demonstrate her value to the town. That's what the community will be watching - and waiting to see.