Interim borough manager started work Monday

Jeffrey Good, who moved to Wrangell after retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard, started work Monday as interim borough manager, replacing Lisa Von Bargen until the assembly can make a permanent hire.

The borough assembly last Thursday offered the position to Good, who was among five candidates for the job.

Von Bargen's last day as manager was Friday.

Good, the only local candidate, served as U.S. Coast Guard base director in Kodiak from 2017 to 2020, according to his résumé. He served as public works manager at Base Kodiak from 2006 to 2008. He holds master's degrees from Duke University and the University of Illinois in engineering management and civil engineering, respectively, and has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Coast Guard Academy.

"Over the next three months Jeff will be focused on ensuring that operational continuity is maintained, while at the same time reviewing and improving the various capital projects that are currently in progress," the borough said in a prepared statement Monday.

"With his civil engineering and project management expertise we believe he is the right person to assist with getting key projects over the finish line," the statement said.

Good retired from the U.S. Coast Guard last year and has been doing engineering and construction management consulting since then, according to his application letter to the borough.

"My family and I chose Wrangell to establish our permanent residence after retirement," Good wrote. He went on to say "I would like to bring the leadership, management, engineering and administrative skills honed during my active-duty career to a city and borough dedicated to providing a safe, secure and prosperous community for its residents."

The interim position comes with an expected commitment of between one to three months at the job, according to the borough's job notice.

"The assembly will continue to move forward with looking for a full-time borough manager. Applications are being taken and we will start to conduct interviews when appropriate candidates are determined," according to the borough's statement Monday.

The borough is continuing to advertise for a permanent hire, with no application deadline. The job notice says the position will be open until filled.