Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lamar, Colorado, September 8, 2025) The City of Lamar has narrowed the search for the next City Administrator to four highly qualified candidates. It received 14 applications from candidates in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin from a nationwide search.

Mayor Kirk Crespin and the Lamar City Council will be hosting a public meet and greet with the candidates at The Tavern (Historic Cow Palace Inn) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.  The Mayor and Council invite community members to welcome and get to know candidates at this important event.  The Council will consider community feedback before making its final decision.

Candidates will also meet with the City Council and key staff, tour the community, and learn more about the city. After conducting interviews and reviewing feedback from the community and staff, the Council expects to announce its selection at an upcoming Council meeting. Depending on the successful candidate’s availability, he will assume the position by the end of 2025. 

Lamar City Administrator finalists are:

• Aaron Escamilla (Greeley, CO) is an experienced recreation professional with over a decade of leadership in local government, nonprofits, and human services. Mr. Escamilla is deeply committed to community well-being and has a proven track record in program development, team leadership, and data-informed decision-making. He is skilled in building strong partnerships, boosting engagement, and leading initiatives that promote equity and sustainable impact.
• Lou Leone (Delavan, WI) is a visionary and results-driven city administrator with over a decade of experience leading diverse municipalities through transformational change, fiscal reform, and organizational development. Mr. Leone has a proven track record in long-range planning, economic development, inclusive community engagement, and operational efficiency. He is recognized for building strong partnerships with elected officials, residents, and staff while promoting equity, innovation, and transparency. Leone is an ICMA Credentialed Manager with advanced leadership training and a Master of Public Administration.
• Mitchel Hammes (Colorado Springs, CO) is a strategic, data-inspired leader with a strong background in municipal operations and problem-solving. Mr. Hammes is known for his initiative, accountability, and value-driven leadership. He is a confident communicator who builds rapport with stakeholders to drive results. His approach emphasizes responsibility, productivity, and integrity.
• Sam Demel (Purcell, OK) is a results-oriented public administrator with over 25 years of diverse experience in municipal government, public service, community engagement, economic development, and public administration. Mr. Demel has a proven track record of leading complex operations, managing large budgets, and driving impactful community. He is seeking an administration position to leverage his leadership, strategic planning, and community development expertise to foster vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

The city selected Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to assist in conducting the extensive search that resulted in an impressive candidate pool. SGR is an executive recruitment firm based in Keller, Texas, specializing in recruiting, assessing, and developing innovative, collaborative, and authentic leaders for local governments.

With a new city administrator on staff, the City will be positioned for growth. Its Prairie Crossroads comprehensive plan was recently adopted by Council. It and related plans including its new Parks & Recreation plan – still underway – will provide a substantial blueprint for the future. Learn more about the City of Lamar at www.cityoflamar.com.

Contact: Courtney W. Recio
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Courtney.Recio@ci.lamar.co.us
719-336-1448