POST FALLS - Shelly Enderud, who has been interim Post Falls city administrator for the past two months, will be named to the position full time, pending city council confirmation on Nov. 20.

Enderud, who has been with the city for 15 years and serves as the finance director, was designated for the interim role after Eric Keck resigned in August.

Keck was with the city six years before accepting the chief operation officer position at Post Falls-based mining equipment manufacturer Ground Force Worldwide.

The city will search for a finance officer to replace Enderud if she's confirmed as expected.

Mayor Clay Larkin earlier said that Enderud has proven to be a "capable, competent and committed professional."

"She is an effective leader," Larkin said.

Larkin said the city didn't conduct an outside search to fill the position, which saved the taxpayers money.

"When Eric came on board six years ago, I asked him to mentor Shelly to be his succession plan when he chose to leave," Larkin said. "Even at that point, Shelly had more than proven her leadership ability in the finance department, receiving many continuing awards for her work.

"We chose not to go out looking as we believe in internal promotion provided we have qualified candidates. This worked well with the police department (when Scot Haug replaced Cliff Hayes as chief) and now has proven successful with the administrator's position."

Enderud said working under two city administrators - Keck and Jim Hammond - on budget and city administrative duties has prepared her for the job.

"Over the years, the mayor and city council have always shown me support in professional improvement and upping the bar for my position as finance director and for my department," Enderud said. "I believe my strong background in finance along with my experience at the city for the past 15 years have prepared me for this new opportunity."

"The city is facing some challenges in this tough economic climate and my finance background with the city will help me serve the mayor and council as they make decisions over the next several years."

Enderud received her master's degree in business administration from Gonzaga University. Her involvement and honors include: Idaho State Building Authority Commission, Kootenai County United Way board president and River City Leadership Academy graduate.

Enderud and the city have received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 1998.