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Press release from the City of Blue Lake:

At their regular December 23, 2025 meeting, the Blue Lake City Council will consider the selection and appointment of Jennie Short as the new City Manager. Should the Council move forward, Ms. Short will take over from interim City Manager Jill Duffy who has served the city since last August. The leadership transition is expected to commence on January 5, 2026. 

I am excited that the Council will have the opportunity to consider Ms. Short for City Manager and, if so appointed, I am confident that she will be an excellent leader for our City and our residents” said Mayor John Sawatzky.

The recommendation of Ms. Short follows a robust recruitment process lead by the City Council with the help of an ad hoc committee and independent recruitment firm over the past five months. With nearly three decades of experience in engineering and project management, Ms. Short has a proven record of managing in infrastructure projects that have improved essential services such as water supply, sewer collection and treatment, airports, and transportation. Her knowledge in regulatory compliance, fiscal management, and enterprise fund financial management further enhances her ability to advance the city’s objectives while maintaining transparency and accountability. 

Ms. Short grew up in Blue Lake and graduated from Chico State University with a bachelors of science in Civil Engineering. She has worked as a civil engineer with the State of Oregon’s Department of Transportation, the US Forest Service, the City of Roseburg, Del Norte County and the local consulting company 4J’s Consulting. Following a return home to Blue Lake in May 2007 she has served on the city’s Parks and Recreations Commission and the Blue Lake/Fieldbrook Little League Board of Directors.

“As a third-generation Blue Laker, I cherish this special community and the charming characteristics that embody Blue Lake.” States Ms. Short. “It is an honor to be in a position where I can utilize my unique skill set to enhance core services such as infrastructure, public safety, and financial stability. I am grateful for this opportunity and, if appointed, look forward to working with the council, staff, and residents to achieve our common goals.”