At their December 21st board meeting, the Board of Directors of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) named Rick Kaysen as Interim Executive Director starting on January 4, 2017, as they also accepted the resignation of current Director Shelley Simonton. Mr. Kaysen, an active Board member of WAM, is currently completing his term as Mayor of Cheyenne.
“Rick has been on the WAM board for 7 years and been the Chair of our legislative leadership committee for 8 years,” said Board President Brian Dickson, Councilman, Lovell. “He is the perfect fit for this transition. His contract is currently through the end of our fiscal year, June 30, 2017.”
Ms. Simonton tendered her resignation earlier in the week citing personal reasons for her leaving. “Seventy percent of Wyoming residents live in city or a town and working for this group of community leaders has been the utmost privilege for the past three years,” Simonton said. “I will greatly miss the municipal elected officials, municipal staff, and the WAM staff who have all taught me so much.”
“WAM is in a strong position during this transition,” stated in-coming President Paul Brooks, Mayor, Sundance. “We have released our Municipal Finance Report, we are working on bill drafts for the upcoming session, and we have strong leadership to carry us forward.”
Laurie Heath, Deputy Director will continue on in her current capacity as Deputy Director, as well as absorb more legislative duties that were held by Simonton.
“I’m excited to work with all Wyoming communities in this new role,” Kaysen remarked. “I look forward to learning from our 99 members and hopefully lending perspective from my experiences.”
