City of Fort Collins Graduate Management Assistant Program#
The City of Fort Collins Graduate Management Assistant (GMA) program allows current Master of Public Administration students and recent graduates (as well as students and recent graduates from closely related fields) the opportunity to gain valuable career experience in a wide variety of areas of municipal operations. This position provides future municipal leaders with the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals in a community consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the country. The Management Assistant will have the opportunity to learn about the inner-workings of a full-service city.
The Management Assistant will be provided the opportunity to work on projects based in a variety of City departments, while maintaining a "home base" in the City Manager's Office. The Management Assistant will be involved in research, analytical work, and managing special projects. This position represents a full-time, one-year fellowship.
2025 Recruitment Process#
GMA applications are now open! Applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. MST on Monday, Feb. 24th. (Original deadline pushed back from 2/20/25). The position will start in the Summer of 2025. Please contact Max Valadez at mvaladez@fcgov.com with any questions.
All applicants must provide:
- Cover letter
- Current resume
To apply, please visit: https://www.fcgov.com/jobs/
Current Management Assistant#
Taryn Moran serves as the current Graduate Management Assistant for the City of Fort Collins. She will graduate from Colorado State University with her Master of Public Policy & Administration in December of 2025. Taryn also holds a BA in Sociology, Criminology, and Criminal Justice with a minor in Leadership Interdisciplinary Studies from Colorado State University. Taryn hopes to bring her community centric approach and diverse experiences to her work and efforts in the GMA role. She has spent extensive time serving in research, leadership, and community development roles prior to her work with the City. Notably, she was a graduate researcher who engaged in extensive research on Colorado budgeting systems and development. In addition, Taryn has served as a program evaluation assistant through the United Way of Larimer County to provide research and evaluations of current programs and practices. Through a multitude of experiences, Taryn has deepened her understanding and commitment to developing strong systems and building intentional relationships in a community. Taryn will continue to focus on these values as she continues to serve in her role for the City of Fort Collins with integrity and passion for her work.
Previous Management Assistants#
| Year | Name | Organization | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2024-25 |
Max Valdez |
|
|
|
2023-24 |
Lachlan Woods |
Town of Erie, CO |
URA & Development Accounting Analyst |
|
2022-23 |
Megan "Meggs" Valliere |
City of Boulder, CO |
City Council Program Manager |
|
2021-22 |
DeAngelo Bowden |
City of Fort Collins, CO |
Lead Environmental Specialist |
|
2019-21 |
Sierra Anderson |
King County, WA - Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget |
Executive Analyst |
|
2018-19 |
Joe Wimmer |
City of Fort Collins, CO |
Utilities Finance Director |
|
2017-18 |
Alyssa Johnson |
Minnesota Department of Human Services |
Change Manager |
|
2016-17 |
Jackson Brockway |
City and County of Denver |
Capital Planning and Budget Manager |
|
2015-16 |
Tyler Marr |
City of Fort Collins, CO |
Deputy City Manager |
|
2014-15 |
Travis Machalek |
Town of Estes Park, CO |
Town Administrator |
|
2013-14 |
Pam Davis |
City of Boulder, CO |
Assistant City Manager |
|
2012-13 |
Kelly Houghteling |
Town of Wellington, CO |
Deputy Town Administrator |
|
2011-12 |
Josh Jones |
U.S. Federal Government |
U.S. Federal Government Employee |
|
2002-03 |
Sam McFerran |
First Church (UCC) |
Minister of Faith Formation |
|
2000-01 |
Heather Sanchez |
City of Alamosa, CO |
City Manager |
|
1991-92 |
Stet Schanze |
Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. |
President |
|
1990-91 |
Kristin Epley |
Center of the American West at University of Colorado - Boulder |
Sustainability Project Manager |
|
1989-90 |
Jon Ruiz |
City of Eugene, OR |
City Manager (Retired) |
|
|
Steven VanderMeer |
Hometown Connections |
Senior Vice President, Planning and Marketing (Retired) |
|
1986-87 |
Julia Novak |
International City/County Management Association (ICMA) |
CEO/Executive Director (Incoming) |
|
|
Todd Vance |
Breakforth Counseling and Consulting LLC; Salem, VA |
Clinical Psychologist, Career Coach |
|
1985-86 |
Ann Turnquist |
Poudre Fire Authority |
Administrative Services Director (Retired) |
|
|
Mark Campbell |
Multnomah County, OR |
Chief Financial Officer (Retired) |
|
|
Don Gaeddert |
City of Larned, KS |
City Manager (Retired) |
|
1984-85 |
Jody Kole |
Grand Junction, CO Housing Authority |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Deborah "Debbie" Sagen |
Deborah Sagen & Associates |
Principal Coach & Consultant |
|
|
Susan "Sue" Loo |
City of Louisville, CO |
Retired City Councilmember |
|
1983-84 |
Wendy Williams |
City of Fort Collins, CO |
Assistant City Manager & Community Services Director (Retired) |
|
|
Mark Rohloff |
City of Oshkosh, WI; McMahon Engineers/Architects |
City Manager (Retired); Public Safety & Municipal Management Division Manager |