October 13, 2025
After an extensive national search facilitated by a third-party executive recruitment firm, the Winter Park Town Council has selected four highly qualified finalists for the position of Town Manager. The candidates bring decades of combined leadership in mountain and resort communities, with expertise in public administration, infrastructure development, community engagement, and fiscal stewardship.
The finalists are:
- Janet Hawkinson, Town Manager of Palisade, Colorado, brings over 25 years of experience across public and private sectors. She currently oversees daily operations, seven departments, and major infrastructure and grant-funded projects in Palisade. Her previous work includes managing over $55 million in capital improvements, directing community development in Minturn, and running a design/build firm in Steamboat Springs, with a strong focus on infrastructure and planning in resort communities.
- John Fussa has more than 25 years of experience in urban planning and local government, and currently serves as Director of the Community Development Department for the Town of Parker, Colorado. In his current role, he manages major downtown redevelopment projects, long-range planning, housing policy, and public-private partnerships. He previously led planning and redevelopment efforts in Bayonne, New Jersey, and held senior roles with regional planning authorities, with a career spanning both public and private sector work.
- Todd Leopold, with a 27-year career in public service, is currently the Central Regional Manager for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. In his current role, he provides strategic guidance and technical assistance to local governments across eight counties on funding, legislation, and planning. He has held executive leadership roles in Placer County, California and Adams County, Colorado, overseeing large-scale housing, tourism, and emergency preparedness programs.
- Jon Peacock, County Manager of Pitkin County, Colorado, has more than 25 years of experience in local government. He currently leads a $263 million organization, managing major capital projects and long-range planning for the County. His background includes serving as County Administrator in Mesa County and policy roles in Ohio, with a focus on affordable housing, sustainability, and capital project delivery in resort settings.
The public is invited to meet the finalists at a community reception and open house on Thursday, October 23 at Winter Park Town Hall from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Formal interviews with the Town Council will follow on Friday, October 24.
Please direct all questions and inquiries to the Town's Media Liaison, Kim Newcomer at: kim@slatecommunications.com.
