Finney County Administration: Meet the Finalists for County Administrator

The Finney County community stands at a crossroads as it decides on a new County Administrator. With the county commission honing in on two candidates, residents will have a chance to meet them face-to-face. This blog post aims to equip community members with key insights about the finalists and the upcoming events, ensuring everyone feels informed and involved in this critical selection process.

Meet the Finalists : Finney County Administration

Christopher Ford: A Wealth of Experience

Christopher Ford boasts 29 years of experience across public and private sectors. He has been the Assistant City Manager in Liberal, Kansas, for the past two years. His impressive track record includes a 20-year tenure as the Director of Finance for the city of Liberal, where he managed a budget exceeding $30 million and improved financial transparency.

Ford holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the DeVry Institute of Technology in Phoenix, Arizona, and an associate’s degree in Business from Seward County Community College. He is also a Certified Public Manager, enhancing his qualifications for this role. Ford is actively involved in several organizations, such as the League of Kansas Municipalities and the Government Finance Officers Association, helping him stay updated on best practices and trends in local government.

Derek Ramos: A Diverse Background

Derek Ramos brings over 12 years of experience in the public sector and five years in the private sector to the table. Currently, he is the Assistant City Manager for Garden City, a position he has held since 2022. Before this, he spent nine years as the Dean of Physical Planning and Facilities Management at Garden City Community College, where he oversaw a budget that supported major campus renovations.

Ramos earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from National American University in Rapid City, South Dakota, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. He is known for his community service, currently chairing the Kansas Hispanic/Latino American Affairs Commission and serving as the Board Chair of the Finney County Childcare Early Learning Network, where he has influenced childcare initiatives positively.

Interview Process

After the open house, both candidates will take part in interviews on Monday, August 18. This crucial step provides the county commission with an in-depth look at each candidate's qualifications, their leadership styles, and how they plan to address future challenges facing Finney County.

Why This Matters to the Community

Choosing the right County Administrator is essential for Finney County’s future. This role is about more than just administration; it involves managing the county’s operations, overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, and implementing policies that affect residents' everyday lives. Community members' active participation ensures that the selected candidate reflects the population's goals and needs.

Final Thoughts

The search for a new County Administrator represents a pivotal moment for Finney County, making community involvement vital.

As the community prepares for this significant event, it is essential to recognize that the choices made now will influence Finney County’s landscape for years. By coming together to express your opinions and engage in dialogue, you can ensure that the voice of the community resonates in this crucial decision-making process.