Search for Next Fairfax City Manager Continues
(Oct. 15, 2025) The Fairfax City Council’s search for a permanent city manager continues. In May the city hired the executive recruitment firm Raftelis to conduct a national search. The city is only paying minimal candidate travel expenses. Raftelis is not charging a fee per the terms of their contract, as the previous city manager worked less than one year.
The recruitment process began in late June and is ongoing. The mayor and city council continue to review candidates and conduct interviews. We will provide an update when there is additional information to share.
The city hired Rafelis to conduct the recruitment effort and held their kickoff meeting in closed session on May 27. Raftelis provides a broad range of consulting services to government and utility clients and has a great deal of experience in local government chief executive officer recruitment.
Bryan Foster has served as interim city manager since January when he was hired through a contract agreement with Baker Tilly Advisory Group LP, a public sector executive recruitment firm. Foster guided the city through the adoption of the FY 2026 budget and has provided steady leadership during a transitional period for the city.
The City of Fairfax Charter requires the City Council to appoint a City Manager who is the executive officer of the city government. The City Manager is selected to serve the city for an indefinite term and is selected solely on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications and experience.
The City Manager directs and supervises the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the city, except as otherwise provided in the city's charter.
The City Manager is charged with advising the City Council with regard to the financial condition of the city, its future needs, and all matters related to its proper administration. The City Manager must propose and submit an annual budget to the City Council and, once approved, must be responsible for its implementation.
The City Manager implements city policy as determined by the Mayor and City Council by providing management and administrative support.