Article Contributed on: 7/6/2009 9:47:08 AM
After working for the city of Lakewood for nearly 30 years, Kathy Hodgson has been chosen as the new city manager.
"I'm very excited, and also very honored and humbled," Hodgson said. "I think it will really help that I understand the community, as I have been around the community for a long time."
Hodgson will replace current city manager Mike Rock, who is retiring in September. Rock has been city manger since 1992.
Hodgson, who grew up in Wheat Ridge and graduated from Jefferson High School, began her career with Lakewood as a lifeguard and worked her way up to director of Community Resources, a position she has held for nine years.
She recently completed the senior executives program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and she has a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Hodgson described the city manager recruitment process as "very well vetted," as the city interviewed candidates from around the country.
The process included a citizen focus group to help identify the attributes of a new city manager that would be valued by the community, interview panel of city employees and input from community leaders and members of the city's boards and commissions. The final decision was made by Mayor Bob Murphy and city council.
Once she takes over as city manager, Hodgson said her goal is to see through the successful implementation of the many projects going on in Lakewood, such as the new campus for St. Anthony Central Hospital, the development of the Rooney Valley and the West Corridor light rail line.
"The city has such a bright future, and I want to do everything I can," she said.
Current city manager Rock has drawn public criticism for some of his decisions, and Hodgson acknowledges, "You won't always be the most popular person in the room. Tough decisions go with the job."
She added, "It is important to have that open, public discussion, listening to all the voices. Can we all agree? No, but that's what is exciting about democracy."
Hodgson lives in Arvada with her husband of 23 years, Doug Hodgson. She has two daughters, Arielle, a student at Colorado State University, and Madisen, a student at Ralston Valley High School.