Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.
Erie Announces Kelli Johnson for Town Manager
Choice is Pending Council Approval on Oct. 20
The Town of Erie is pleased to announce the Council has negotiated an employment contract with Kelli Johnson to be the next Town Manager. Town Council will consider her employment contract at a special meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Kelli was selected following a nationwide recruitment process that attracted more than 50 applicants. If the contract is approved on Tuesday, Kelli will begin with the Town of Erie on Jan. 4, 2027.
Erie operates under a Home Rule Charter which stipulates a Council-Manager form of government. Town Council establishes policy and sets priorities, while the Town Manager oversees daily operations and Town employees. Under the Charter, Council directly supervises only four positions: the Town Manager, Town Attorney, Prosecutor, and Municipal Court Judge.
Kelli joins the Town at a pivotal time as the community continues to grow and prepare for future needs. The Town’s 2027 Budget includes projects and investments designed to support current and future residents and businesses while helping preserve the qualities that make Erie a special place to live, work, and visit.
“I’m pleased to support Kelli’s selection for this crucial role in Erie,” said Mayor Andrew J. Moore. “Council and I were impressed by her skills and passion, and I look forward to seeing her lead Erie and become part of this community. Thank you to Council Member Baer, Mayor Pro Tem Bell, and staff leadership for their participation in the screening process that brought Kelli to Council for consideration”
Candidate Qualifications & Background
Kelli currently serves as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Greeley. She joined Greeley in 2019 as Director of Communication and Engagement, later serving as Chief of Staff and Deputy City Manager. Her leadership has spanned community development, housing and homeless solutions, economic development, emergency management, parks and recreation, and communication and engagement. Her work has included aligning organizational priorities with budgets, advancing major infrastructure projects, and building partnerships across public agencies and the community. Kelli also has previous ties to the Erie community in her role as Public Information Manager for the High Plains Library District, helping to open the branch in Erie in 2008.
Kelli holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Regis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Northern Colorado. She is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government program and the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service LEAD program.
“I find fulfilment in improving systems, supporting people, and serving the public,” Kelli shared. “I am honored and excited to bring that passion and expertise to the Town of Erie. This community is a jewel on the Front Range and I look forward to listening to residents, working alongside Council and employees, and building on the work already underway to prepare Erie for its future.”
The Town of Erie will welcome Kelli and three voter-selected Council Members in January 2027. More details about Council Swearing-in will be provided closer to the new year.
Town of Erie — contactus@@erieco.gov, 303-926-2700
###