Council To Host Community Q&A with Candidates on February 13

The Tusayan Town Council has narrowed its nationwide search for town manager to three final candidates.

In late 2025, the Town retained the Duffy Group to lead a national search for a new town manager. The recruitment process generated significant interest from qualified candidates across the country. After careful review, three individuals will move forward with in-person interviews.
As part of the final selection process, the Town of Tusayan will host a Community Q&A with the candidates on February 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Squire Inn in Tusayan. At the event, members of the community will have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of the candidates. All residents are encouraged to participate in this important opportunity to meet the candidates and provide input on the Town’s next town manager.

“We are so pleased with the candidates who we are considering, and we are grateful for Duffy Group’s assistance at this critical juncture for the Town,” said Mayor Clarinda Vail. “The Town Council looks forward to meeting with the finalists and continuing the process of selecting the next leader to guide us into the future.”

The three finalists competing for the town manager position are:
• Greg Clifton, Interim Town Manager, Town of Tusayan, AZ
• Joe Samaniego, City Manager, City of Tangent, OR
• Jacob Schillander, City Administrator, City of Maple Plain, MN

Greg Clifton
Greg currently serves as the Interim Town Manager for the Town of Tusayan. Before coming to Tusayan, Greg served as the Flagstaff City Manager for about six years. He has over thirty years of municipal experience and demonstrated expertise in budgeting, strategic planning, and community development. With a strong background in managing municipal operations and fostering intergovernmental partnerships, Clifton has a proven track record of delivering efficient public services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Joe Samaniego
Joe currently serves as City Manager of Tangent, Oregon, where he has successfully revitalized community engagement and established strong relationships with businesses, stakeholders, and residents. With over seven years of municipal administration experience, he previously served as a Local Government Specialist III for the State of Alaska, assisting over sixty communities with budget preparation, utility management, and community development. Joe’s expertise in working with small rural communities, public utility operations, and tribal governments has prepared him to navigate complex intergovernmental relationships and deliver sustainable solutions.

Jacob Schillander
Jacob currently serves as City Administrator for the City of Maple Plain, Minnesota, managing a $1.9 million annual budget and overseeing municipal operations for a community of approximately 1,700 residents. With nine years of progressive experience in public administration, sixteen years in hospitality management, and sixteen years in emergency medical services, Jacob brings a unique blend of operational expertise and community-focused service. His hospitality background has provided him with a deep understanding of tourism-driven economies, while his EMS experience has strengthened his crisis management skills and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.