By Jim Rogers

Ten resumes have been submitted and more are expected as the Winnsboro City Council begins their search for a new City Administrator. The new administrator will replace Craig Lindholm whose resignation was accepted in a special session of the council called September 21, 2021. Lindholm’s last day as CA was September 30th. He was under contract until October, 2023 at the time of council action. The city council secured the services of Executive Recruitment Services, a service of East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG).

ETCOG made a presentation to the council during the December 14, 2021 regular session of the Winnsboro City Council. David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG, and Brandy Brannon, Assistant Executive Director and Human Resources Director presented the recruiting and vetting option to the city. ETCOG will customize the search for the city using advertising, social media, and community profiles to attract applicants. ETCOG serves cities in a 14-county region and can assist those cities in job descriptions, job posting, resume review, interviews, candidate review, and decisions to hire. With over 40 years of experience in recruitment, human resources, public relations, and marketing, members of council found the discounted cost of services offered the city irresistible. The city will spend just over $2,200 for the service if the hire is accomplished within the first year of the search.

Prior to ETCOG’s presentation, Council person Joan Morris recommended that the council hire a firm as the search for a new City Administrator begins. She said the city has used a firm in the past. She questioned if the search would be limited in scope or nationwide. ETCOG responded that the search would be as wide in scope as the city requested. Council member Jim Hollowell suggested that ETCOG be hired to direct the search. Richard Parrish made the motion to enter into an agreement with ETCOG to work with city staff and council in the search process.