KILLEEN, Texas — After months of searching, the city of Killeen now has a shortlist of candidates to replace former city manager Ron Olson.
Olson announced in June that, after 40 years in local politics, he planned to retire effective Oct. 1. Olson was selected to be Killeen's city manager in 2017.
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After receiving 29 applications, the city invited remaining four candidates to Killeen for interviews: Kent Cagle, Torry Edwards, Aretha Ferrell-Benavides and Stephen Williams.
The city said each candidate was vetted through online interviews, psychometric assessments, background checks, media searches and comprehensive questionnaires.
Cagle has a 32-year-old career in local government that includes 18 years of city management experience. Most recently, he was in the top post for Leander for more than seven years.
Edwards was the Terrell city manager for more than 11 years. He previously worked in the City Manager's Office for the city of Dallas from 1996 to 2002.
Ferrell-Benavides' 24 years of government and private sector experience includes three years serving as the city manager for Petersburg, Virginia, and three years managing the city of Glenn Heights. She also had government positions with the District of Columbia, the city of Chicago and Maryland State Government.
Williams has worked in city government for more than 23 years. Since January 2014, he's served as the city administrator and chief financial officer for the city of Controe.
The four finalists will be in Killeen Nov. 1 and 2 for interviews with a citizen panel and the Killeen City Council. They will also tour the city and meet with city staff.
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