After a national search facilitated by a third-party recruitment firm, Winter Park Town Council has named four finalists for the town manager position. An opportunity for community members to meet the candidates is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the town hall, according to a press release from the town.

The four finalists all currently serve Colorado communities in various ways. Each candidate brings extensive experience in local government, infrastructure planning and community development.

Who are the candidates?

• Janet Hawkinson is the town manager of Palisade, Colorado and was named manager of the year by the Colorado City and County Managers Association in 2024. Hawkinson has worked in public and private sectors for over 25 years. Currently, she oversees daily operations and major infrastructure and grant-funded projects in Palisade. She has also developed communities in Minturn and Steamboat Springs, with a focus on infrastructure and planning in resort towns.
• John Fussa has served the town of Parker, Colorado as its director of community development since 2013. He manages major downtown redevelopment projects, long-range planning, housing policy and public-private partnerships. He previously led planning and redevelopment efforts in Bayonne, New Jersey, and his career has involved both public and private sector work.
• Todd Leopold serves as the Central Regional Manager for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and brings more than 28 years of experience in local government. He provides strategic guidance and technical support to local governments in eight counties, focusing on funding, legislation and planning. Leopold has also held executive leadership roles in Placer County, California and Adams County, Colorado, where he oversaw major housing, tourism and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Jon Peacock has been Pitkin County, Colorado’s county manager since 2011. and has more than 25 years of experience in local government. He previously served as county administrator in Mesa County and held a fiscal and policy analyst position in Ohio, with a focus on affordable housing, sustainability and capital project delivery in resort settings.

After the reception, interviews with the town council are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 24.

The finalist selected to serve as town manager will act as the Winter Park’s chief executive and administrative officer, overseeing daily operations, implementing council policies and ordinances and supervising all departments and staff. The position offers a salary range of $210,000 to $260,000, according to the job description.