Grand Lake releases names of finalists vying to become town manager

Grand Lake could soon have a new town manager after narrowing its search down to three finalists, whose names were recently released by town staff.

One of the finalists is Janet Aluise, who currently works as
the community development director in Silt.

According to information provided by town staff, Aluise is an accomplished land use planner and event coordinator with a history of supervising the implementation and integration of public policies and goals.

Another candidate, Alisha James, or AJ, works as the assistant city manger in Brighton. In that role, she has led, developed and implemented the budget, supervised the administration of a lodging tax program and solidified her place an influencer among her peers in professional organizations.

The third candidate, Anthony “Tony” O’Rourke, has 16 years
of direct experience working in resort-based communities, including
understanding and balancing the needs and expectations of year-round and
seasonal residents. He had worked as the Canon City manager until May 2019.

The candidates have been asked, but are not required, to be at the Grand Lake Board of Trustees work session and regular meeting beginning at 5 p.m. on Sept. 23.

The next day, the candidates are slated to go on tours of the town before appearing for panel interviews lasting 45-50 minutes, including one with the trustees, another with town staff and again before members of the community.

The schedule calls for a special trustees meeting and executive session on Sept. 24 before a meet and greet with the candidates from 5-6 p.m. The trustees will then resume the special meeting and executive session at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24.

Additionally, Grand Lake could invite an alternate candidate who has not yet been identified by the town if town officials feel it is necessary.