Greeley City Council on Tuesday appointed Raymond C. Lee III acting city manager during the national search for a successor to Greeley’s longtime city manager Roy Otto, who announced his resignation last month after serving in that role for 16 years.
An experienced leader with over 13 years of service in municipal government, Lee currently oversees the city’s community development, economic health and housing, public works, water and sewer, and culture, parks and recreation departments. He will transition to acting city manager Aug. 18 on Otto’s last day with the city.
“During his time with the city, Raymond has shown tremendous leadership ability,” said Mayor John Gates. “The council consensus to appoint a seasoned professional ensures continuity of city operations and administrative leadership while council begins a comprehensive and deliberate national search for Greeley’s next city manager.”
Lee was appointed to deputy city manager last December. Before joining the City of Greeley, he was public works director for the City of Amarillo, Texas. He previously worked with the City of Dallas as the assistant director of street services. His experience also includes serving in other city departments including library services, city secretary’s office, human resources, and risk management.
“I am truly excited about this opportunity and the future of Greeley,” Lee said of being named acting city manager. “I get motivated and excited each day to support and sustain the dedicated citizens, leaders and stakeholders of this community. I am thankful and honored in the level of confidence the city council has in me. I am here to serve the City of Greeley in any capacity necessary. The city has an amazing team, and we are committed to ensuring Greeley is a great place to live, work and play.”
Lee received his bachelor’s in Public Administration from Henderson State University, and his master’s in Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He holds certifications in labor relations, leadership coaching, financial management, inclusion and diversity, and project management. He was accepted into the 2021 Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.