Ogden mayor picks city government veteran to fill top advisory spot
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- Mara Brown, tabbed by Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, to replace Mark Johnson as chief administrative officer for the city. Johnson is retiring.
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- Mark Johnson, outgoing chief administrative officer for Ogden. His last day is June 30, 2023.
Photo supplied, City of Ogden
Mara Brown, tabbed by Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, to replace Mark Johnson as chief administrative officer for the city. Johnson is retiring.
OGDEN — Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell has tabbed a 16-year veteran of Ogden city government — Mara Brown — to be the new chief administrative officer, the mayor’s top advisor.
Her pick still faces review by the Ogden City Council, but if affirmed by the body, she would replace Mark Johnson, who will be retiring at the end of June after 12 years in the spot.
“Mara is honest, ethical and trustworthy in every aspect,” Caldwell said in a statement. “She has demonstrated strong leadership in each of her roles, is a creative problem solver, an excellent communicator and an effective city advocate. She is a long-time Ogden resident, passionate and committed to Ogden City.”
Brown has served as management services director since 2021 and started in the city as chief deputy attorney in 2007. Caldwell noted her experience helping craft the city budget, a key responsibility.
“It is out of deep care for the Ogden City community as well as Ogden City staff that I sought the role of CAO,” Brown said in the city statement. Her experience, she added, has helped her develop skills “in municipal law, municipal administration, and leadership and management.”
Photo supplied, City of Ogden
Mark Johnson, outgoing chief administrative officer for Ogden. His last day is June 30, 2023.
In all, 52 candidates expressed interest in the chief administrative officer post, Caldwell said, and a committee tasked with helping in the selection process narrowed that down. He and Johnson interviewed the three finalists.
The City Council was to discuss Brown’s selection during a closed session on Tuesday, Caldwell said. She is also to face review during an open forum set for July 11, he said.
Caldwell, finishing his third term as mayor, isn’t running for reelection to the spot this year and whoever wins in November could pick their own chief administrative officer, booting Brown, presuming the City Council approves her selection. Caldwell, though, cautioned against wholesale changes in the city administration by the next mayor.
“I don’t know that that’s a wise thing to do,” he said. Seven hopefuls are running for mayor: Chris Barragan, Oscar Mata, Jon Greiner, Angel Castillo, Ben Nadolski, Bart Blair and Taylor Knuth.
Meantime, as Johnson’s final day as chief administrative officer looms, he is receiving accolades for his service. Though some on the City Council have fiercely criticized Johnson and Caldwell on varied issues in recent months, the body was to formally recognize Johnson at its meeting Tuesday and thank him for his years of service.
“Under Mark’s leadership, Ogden City has experienced unprecedented growth and progress. His tireless work ethic, commitment to excellence and ability to inspire others have been instrumental in shaping Ogden into the thriving community it is today,” reads the City Council proclamation. “Mark’s dedication and forward-thinking approach has fostered a strong sense of unity and pride among our residents.”
Likewise, Weber County Commissioners at their meeting Tuesday formally recognized Johnson and thanked him for his service to the city and county. Caldwell attended the meeting and offered words of praise.
“I cannot publicly express enough how much I appreciate everything that you’ve done, Mark, what you’ve stood for and everything you’ve given me,” Caldwell said.