Mayor Lucy Vinis has appointed Sarah Medary, Executive Director of Public Works, as the City Manager Pro Tem for the City of Eugene. Mayor Vinis, who by City Charter appoints the interim upon a City Manager vacancy, named Medary as the City Manager Pro Tem beginning October 19. Medary has 23 years of experience with the City of Eugene including nine years as Assistant City Manager and six as the Executive Director of the Planning and Development Department.
“Sarah has an in-depth knowledge of every city department,” Mayor Vinis noted. “Her experience, expertise, and strong relationships in the community and organization will provide a stable transition for the city.”
“I love Eugene,” said Medary. “I look forward to working with the Council, community and our staff to continue the critical work of making Eugene not just a great place, but the best place to live, work, visit and just be.”
Medary began her career with the City of Eugene in 1996 in Parks and Open Space and has held several positions throughout the organization. During her tenure as the Assistant City Manager, Medary was nationally recognized by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and awarded the Assistant Excellence in Leadership Award in Memory of Buford M. Watson.
Throughout her time as a City employee, Sarah has worked with the community through efforts such as the Neighborhood Empowerment Initiative, the Olympic Track and Field Trials, preparations for the IAAF World Championships Oregon21, and the development of the City’s Diversity program.
Medary holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Horticulture from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon. She also received a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Listen to Sarah's recent radio interview with KUGN's Dennis Nakata of "What's Up Eugene!"