Two candidates back out, and Fort Smith confirms Dingman has been under consideration all along

The City of Fort Smith is moving forward with just two candidates in its high-stakes search for the next City Administrator after two previously advanced contenders abruptly withdrew from consideration Monday.

Robert Sivick, County Administrator for Whitfield County, Georgia, and Jeff Dingman, Fort Smith’s current Acting City Administrator, are the only remaining finalists.

Colin Baenzinger & Associates, the firm managing the search, notified city officials earlier today that Richard McGill has accepted another job offer and Joseph Lessard has withdrawn for family reasons.

Sivick and Dingman will still participate in the previously scheduled public meet-and-greet on Wednesday, July 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Pavilion (also known as the Glass Pavilion) at 100 N. B Street.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will convene a special meeting Thursday, July 30 at 4:30 p.m. and go into executive session to interview Sivick.

Officials determined that Dingman does not need another formal interview, citing his current role, a previous interview during the search, and the board’s ongoing evaluation of his performance.

A final hiring decision is expected to be discussed in executive session following the regular Board meeting on Tuesday, August 4.