Finalists for Yuma City Administrator announced

Four finalists in the City of Yuma’s search for the next city administrator were announced Thursday night.

Michael Celaya , Jacob Ellis, Phillip Rodriguez and interim administrator Jay Simonton each have experience in local government, according to The City of Yuma (COY).

Michael Celaya is the former city manager of The City of Page and has a total of 24 years of experience, according to COY. It added he also has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science for Arizona State University.

Jacob Ellis is formerly the deputy town manager of the Town of Gilbert in the Phoenix-area and holds about 14 years of experience in local government, according to COY. Ellis has an extensive education holding a Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Phillip Rodriguez has more than 17 years of experience in local government, serving as a city manager in cities in Colorado and Texas, according to COY. COY said he is currently a Catalyst for Innovation & Resiliency in Local Government, Catalyst Resource Management and holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas.

Jay Simonton is currently serving as the City of Yuma’s interim city administrator and has worked for COY for 16 years, according to COY. The City added Simonton has served in multiple positions with the city over the years as the Deputy City Administrator, Utilities Director, and Capital Improvement Program Project Manager. He holds a Master of Administration from Northern Arizona University.

Simonton was appointed to the position after the former city administrator retired amid controversy in May.

The City of Yuma will host an open house for the community on Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 p.m.at City Hall.

KYMA 2019