Council approves Smith as interim City Manager
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 9 months AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | September 24, 2019 2:28 PM
Dana Smith has taken on the role of interim City Manager for the City of Whitefish.
Smith has been the Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, but was appointed to the interim role by City Council on Sept. 16.
Former City Manager Adam Hammatt abruptly resigned from the position on Sept. 6, after serving more than two years in the job.
Mayor John Muhlfeld said he met with Smith to review the short-term needs for the city and prioritized her responsibilities serving as both interim City Manager and Finance Director.
“We just ask that other department heads chip in where necessary,” he said. “Obviously there’s a heavy lift ahead.”
Muhlfeld said Smith will hold the interim position for three months, and in November Council will make a decision about whether to open the position to fill it permanently either internally or as a national search.
“We have full faith and confidence in Dana to hold the interim position and perform her responsibilities as finance director,” he said.
Smith joined the city in July 2014 as Finance Director previously working as an auditor in the private sector. In August 2018, she was promoted to the dual role of Assistant City Manager and Finance Director.
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