BOONE, Iowa—Deputy city administrator and city clerk Ondrea Elmquist was selected Saturday to succeed William Skare, wo recently retired as city administrator.
The city council voted on March 4 to retain Hinson Consulting, LLC, a Mason City firm, for a human resources search and interview process. Ultimately, the council chose three finalists: Elmquist; James Ferneau, a former city administrator in Sergeant Bluff and Burlington; and Donovan Olson, a former Ogden city administrator and a current regional director with Iowa State Extension and Outreach.
“Ondrea brings more than 22 years of institutional knowledge and experience to her new role. She knows our city government and its processes inside and out, and she’s been deeply involved in ongoing projects like the massive Daisy Brands dairy-processing facility construction, infrastructure improvements, housing developments and economic development activities,” Mayor Elijah Stines said. “Equally important, Ondrea loves Boone and cares very much about its success.”
Elmquist’s selection followed a well-attended Friday night event in which the public, city officials and employees met and interacted with all three candidates, and a closed-door Saturday session in which council members, Stines, department directors and outside panelists interviewed Elmquist, Ferneau and Olson.
“Selecting a new city administrator was a comprehensive process and something that everyone – from the council and the search firm to our outside panelists, department directors and I – took very seriously. I especially want to thank the outside panelists – Julie Trepa, Erich Kretzinger, Chad Houston, Mikaela Kienitz and Tom Blanford – for sharing their time, experience and unique insights help us through this process,” Stines said. “In addition to the three finalists, I also want to thank every candidate who applied for the position for their interest because they obviously see Boone as a community with a bright future.”
Elmquist’s first position in Boone government was as deputy city clerk, where she gained knowledge of government accounting, utility billing, and clerk duties. Within 18 months, she became finance officer, where she became proficient in budgeting and financial analysis, knowledgeable in insurance and human resources, assisted in the negotiation of several development agreements, and established working relationships with employees and community members. In August 2024, she assumed the role of assistant city administrator/clerk.
Elmquist, who completed her master’s degree in public administration in December 2024 while also performing her regular work duties, wrote in her application letter for the position that she found early in her career that her role with the city was “a passion and not just a job.”
She added,” I am confident that my knowledge of our community, city government processes, and goals, combined with my passion to see Boone succeed, will allow me to excel in this role.”
Her employment contract is expected to be approved at the council’s May 5 meeting and would be effective immediately.
(contributed press release, City of Boone)
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