Last week, Ogden City announced in a press release that Ogden mayor Ben Nadolski has recommended Taylor Nielsen — who currently serves as the deputy chief administrative officer and city engineer — to take on the role of chief administrative officer, or CAO. The nomination comes after a nationwide search and interviews that were conducted by city staff.

Nadolski said the city has been moving in the right direction.

“Over the last two and a half years, our administration has worked aggressively to improve performance, increase accountability, streamline operations, and ensure taxpayer dollars go further without raising taxes,” he said in the release. “We’ve made tremendous progress strengthening city finances, improving transparency, securing outside funding, modernizing operations, and building a stronger foundation for the future. At the same time, we’ve focused on making sure those efficiencies translate into better service for residents, businesses, and community partners — making Ogden an easier city to work with, do business with, and engage with every day.

He said that Nielsen fits the needs of the city going forward.

“But the next phase of our work requires something different,” Nadolski said in the release. “The easy efficiencies have largely been found. What’s ahead requires disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and a relentless focus on results. As we continue revitalizing our city, investing in critical infrastructure, strengthening public safety, and delivering better services for residents, I needed a Chief Administrative Officer who understands both the technical complexity of the work and the organizational leadership required to get it done. After a nationwide search, I am confident Taylor Nielsen is the right leader for this moment.”

The release notes that in his current roles as deputy CAO and city engineer, he knows the position well.

“In this role, he assists in directing citywide operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and coordinating executive priorities across municipal departments,” the release said. “He has also served as Acting Chief Administrative Officer and has worked closely with elected officials, department directors, regional agencies, developers, community stakeholders, and city staff to advance major city initiatives.”

The release further adds that Nielsen has not only had a lot of experience in different roles in the city, he’s also been a part of some of the city’s biggest projects of late.

“During his fourteen years of service with Ogden City, Nielsen has held positions including Development Engineer, Assistant City Engineer, City Engineer, Assistant Public Services Executive Director, and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer,” the release said. “He has overseen more than $100 million in public infrastructure projects and helped coordinate a citywide Capital Improvement Program exceeding $350 million.

“Nielsen has played a key leadership role in many of the City’s most significant infrastructure and public investment initiatives, including the construction of Ogden’s new state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plant, development of the new Marshall N. White Community Center, and the ongoing replacement of the Ogden Canyon Waterline — an extraordinarily complex project that represents the largest infrastructure investment in the City’s history. His experience also includes transportation planning, utility systems, economic development coordination, operational improvement initiatives, interdepartmental collaboration, and long-range strategic planning.”

Nielsen said that he’s happy to take on the role.

“I am honored by the Mayor’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Ogden,” he said in the release. “Ogden is an extraordinary community, and our continued revitalization brings both opportunities and challenges. As expectations increase, we are called upon to do more, innovate more, and work more collaboratively. That’s the Ogden Way–working together to solve challenges, serve our community, and continually raise the bar for what local government can accomplish.”

He added that he looks forward to continuing to work with the staff at Ogden City.

“I am fortunate to work alongside talented and dedicated employees who care deeply about this community, and I look forward to supporting their efforts as we continue improving services, strengthening our organization, executing major initiatives, and building on the momentum that makes Ogden such a remarkable place to live, work, and visit.”

The Ogden City Council will consider the appointment of Nielsen as CAO during the council’s meeting on June 16. If appointed, Nielsen will step into the position that was vacated by Mara Brown who stepped down from the position earlier this spring.