Sisters city manager in running for new post in Hood River

The City of Sisters may soon be looking for a new city manager. Cory Misley is a finalist for the city manager position in Hood River, a town of 8,313 residents with a city staff of about 70.

When hired for the position in Sisters, Misley agreed to stay for at least three years in light of the rash of personnel changes at the City before he was hired. He has reached the three-year mark and has been looking for a new position closer to Portland. While living through the COVID-19 pandemic, Misley said he realized he would like to be closer to family and friends in the Portland metropolitan area.

Misley is one of four finalists for the Hood River position and will be participating in a three-day interview process September 7-9, with a community reception on Wednesday. On Thursday, the city council will meet in an executive session to choose the candidate of their choice. Misley was chosen as one of the finalists after an interview over

Zoom.

If Misley should be chosen for the position in Hood River, the date they would want him to report is not yet known and would be part of the negotiations. He indicated that, regardless of the outcome of the interview, he will be leaving his position in Sisters, not for any negative reason but definitely to be closer to Portland.

Whenever he leaves, Misley’s intention is “to make the transition as smooth as possible.” He said, “I really care about the staff, the council, and the residents, and I want it to be a smooth handoff to someone new.”

He is proud of the work he has done here in Sisters.

“I think the City and the community are in great shape. The budget is strong. I’m proud of having hired the planning/community development staff — Scott, Nicole, and now Emme. The entire City staff is rock solid and there is no need to hire an interim city manager,” he said. “The City is so fortunate in that regard.”

Misley said he has no intention to coast until he leaves. He has several programs and issues he wants to be sure are in place or settled before he’s gone.

For more information, Misley asked that citizens call the City at 541-549-6022 or him directly at 541-323-5205.