Farmington city manager to retire, deputy named planned successor

Farmington City Manager Rob Mayes said on Dec. 16 that he will retire, concluding a municipal career that began in 2006 and included more than 17 years as city manager since his April 2008 appointment. The announcement came after the City Council held a work session on Dec. 16 and moved into closed session to discuss limited personnel matters related to the city manager.

Mayor Nate Duckett praised Mayes, calling his service a "professional privilege." City officials said Mayes expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and highlighted working alongside more than 1,000 city employees as a career highlight. Mayes will remain on staff through June 30, 2026 to support a planned transition.

Deputy City Manager Shaña Reeves was identified as the planned successor. Mayor Duckett said he plans to appoint Reeves at the City Council organizational meeting on Jan. 20, with the council voting to ratify the appointment. If the council approves the appointment Reeves will assume city manager duties in January while Mayes continues in a transition role through June 30, 2026.

Reeves brings 22 years of service with the city, including prior roles as director of Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs and assistant city manager. She is a candidate for the ICMA Credentialed City Manager designation and recently served as chair of the San Juan Regional Medical Center executive board. Reeves also has a long record of volunteer service and community leadership.

The planned succession is intended to limit disruption to city operations and preserve institutional knowledge during ongoing capital projects budget cycles and service delivery. For residents the change means a familiar administrative team will oversee the handover rather than an outside search, which could affect the pace of policy shifts or new strategic priorities.

The City Council organizational meeting on Jan. 20 will be the next formal step in the transition. Councilors will have the opportunity to question Reeves and cast a ratification vote. The extended overlap provides a window for public review and for staff level continuity as the city moves into the next fiscal year.