The Whitefish City Council on Monday approved Dana Smith as the new City Manager.

The council unanimously approved an employment contract for Smith to fill the city’s top executive position.

Since September Smith has been serving in the role of interim city manager and prior to that was the assistant city manager and finance director for the city.

After signing her contact during the meeting, Smith thanked the council and the city’s department directors for their support.

“I enjoy Whitefish and I love seeing this community grow,” she said. “And working together I see a bright future for us. It’s an honor to serve as the next city manager.”

She joined the city staff in July 2014 as finance director. In August 2018, she was promoted to the dual role of assistant city manager and finance director.

Prior to her positions with the city of Whitefish, Smith was a staff auditor for Denning, Downey & Associates, P.C., CPAs, in Kalispell from October 2010 to March 2013. She was an audit department manager and auditor for Stahlberg & Sutherland, CPAs, in Kalispell from September 2013 to July 2014.

Smith has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a Master of Accountancy degree, both from the University of Montana. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 2012.

The council began the search for a new manager after former City Manager Adam Hammatt resigned from the position on Sept. 6, after serving more than two years in the job. The position was opened in November to applicants within the city, and the interview committee recommended Smith for the position.

The base salary for the position is $140,000 per year.