Commission divided on timing of executive director search; motion to delay 18 months fails

Commissioners spent significant time debating whether to begin a search for a permanent executive director. Chair West moved that the search be deferred for a period of no less than 18 months; Commissioner Cle seconded. The motion prompted lengthy statements from commissioners, staff and Metro HR about department stability, staff workload, the need for internal consensus on candidate qualities, and the logistics of a search. Shannon Hall, Metro HR director, said the typical HR timeline once a search is launched is about three to four months of active recruitment after a three-month lead-up and emphasized the need for the commission to coalesce around a shared vision for the next director before launching outreach. "In plain language...what this motion says is that nothing starts for another 18 months," Hall told the commission.

After debate and a roll-call vote, the motion failed (four in favor, five opposed). Commissioners who supported the deferment cited the need for continued organizational stabilization and time to complete grant cycles and an upcoming audit; those opposing the delay argued the commission should begin the search work sooner and that a formal search run by HR can proceed without overburdening staff. Legal counsel clarified the commission can later change course if it chooses to start a search earlier.