The Creswell City Council has invited four candidates to interview for the City Manager position, which became available following the resignation of long-time City Manager Michelle Amberg in December 2024.
Six candidates were interviewed out of 12 applications received, and one withdrew.
A public meet-and-greet for the candidates will be held on May 12 at 5 p.m. at the Community Center. Interviews will occur on May 12 and 13, which is closed to the public.
After interviews and deliberations on May 13, the city said mayor Nick Smith will announce his appointment in an open session, pending Council approval. If approved, an offer of employment will be extended to the selected candidate.
David Benson
Benson resides in Tillamook. An Oregon native, he earned an undergraduate degree from Yale and a master’s in public administration from the University of Houston. Most of his career has been in Texas, serving as Assistant City Manager of League City and Assistant Chief Recovery Officer for Houston. As a private consultant, he focused on human resources and developing guidelines for maximizing local resources for small cities.
In his application, he stated, “My background in supporting the range of services the City delivers will be of value in overcoming difficult obstacles, continuing to strengthen the City’s team, and ensuring that the organization is able to continue effective, efficient, and ethical service to Creswell as new residents and businesses arrive.”
Monique DeSpain
DeSpain lives in Eugene, Oregon, and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Utah, a master’s from Central Michigan University, and a law degree from Willamette University College of Law. DeSpain ran in the general election for U.S. House Oregon District 4 in November 2024. She is the Executive Director and County Counsel for the Common Sense for Oregon Foundation. DeSpain has also worked as an attorney and chief operating officer, and she served 30 years in the Oregon Air National Guard and USAF Reserve, retiring as a Colonel.
In her application, she noted, “…my 2024 congressional campaign gave me a deeper understanding of [Creswell’s] people and businesses. … My work at the Common Sense for Oregon Foundation, where I develop and implement policy to support working families, has reinforced my belief that good governance starts locally.”
Vincent Martorello
Martorello resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cobleskill and a master’s in urban planning and architecture from the University of Michigan. He is the Parks and Recreation Director for Council Bluffs and has previously served as Superintendent of Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield, Oregon.
He has prepared land use applications and municipal master plans while working at a consulting firm in Eugene.
He stated, “I want to make a positive contribution to a community and invest (myself) both professionally and personally into the well-being and vitality of (the Creswell) community.”
Douglas Wiggins
Wiggins lives in Toledo and has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from the University of Wyoming. He most recently served as City Manager in Toledo and has held positions including City Administrator in Union, Oregon, and Police Officer/Sergeant in Wheatland, Wyoming. Prior to his municipal career, he worked in sales for an agricultural seed company.
In his application, Wiggins said, “With my background in city management and law enforcement, I have had the privilege of working closely with communities to solve problems… What draws me to Creswell is that same spirit of connection and progress.”
The City Manager serves as the administrative head of the City government, reporting to the Mayor and Council on the proper administration of City affairs. Responsibilities include appointing and supervising staff, organizing City departments, budgeting, and fostering cooperation among the Council, staff, and citizens to build community. The Mayor appoints the City Manager with the consent of a majority of the Council.
