CARIBOU, Maine — Mayor Gary Aiken announced Caribou’s incoming city manager, Dennis Marker, 40, of Santaquin, Utah, during a May 8 City Council meeting.
When former Caribou City Manager Austin Bleess announced his resignation on Jan. 17, city officials immediately began searching for a new manager. One city councilor, Shane McDougall, left before the end of his term due to Bleess’ departure and what he cited as a “lack of vision” on the city’s part.
Police Chief Michael Gahagan has been filling in as interim city manager since Bleess officially left for a similar position in Jersey Village, Texas, on March 3.
According to Gahagan, Caribou found Marker through a nationwide ad sent via the Maine Municipal Association. Out of 27 applicants from across the country, Caribou narrowed the search down to Marker.
Gahagan spoke highly of his experience as interim city manager and said he looks forward to working with Marker.
“We’re fortunate that, in Caribou, we have a collaborative relationship with department heads and not an authoritarian style of management,” Gahagan said. “It’s usually a joint effort and that works very well.”
Marker, who will officially join the city as its manager on July 3, previously served as Santaquin’s assistant city manager.
According to city officials via a press release, Marker has experience in economic development, events coordination, human resources, code enforcement, and planning. Additionally, the release cites some of his personal hobbies as “spending time with family, sports, outdoor activities, sketching, and composing music on the piano.”
Officials further stated in the release that Marker is looking forward to “this new adventure.”
Marker could not be immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday.
Caribou will hold an official meet and greet with the new manager when he arrives in Caribou at a later date, allowing city officials and community members to introduce themselves.
Marker will be moving to Caribou with his wife, AnaLee, and five children.
