City of Ketchum Appoints New City Administrator

KETCHUM, Idaho – Mayor Neil Bradshaw and City Council have appointed Jade Riley as Ketchum’s next city administrator. He joins the city on Aug. 31.

Riley is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer with the city of Boise. Prior to this position, he served as Chief of Staff for Boise Mayor David Bieter for over 16 years.

In his role as Boise Chief of Staff, Riley managed daily operations of twelve departments and 1,800 employees, developed long-term policy with elected officials and oversaw the development of the city’s $515 million budget.

Riley was also responsible for the development and implementation of a long-term strategic plan and supervised the Mayor’s office functions related to intergovernmental relations, economic development and community relations.

“Ketchum is a place I’ve always wanted to call home,” said Jade Riley. “My wife and I spent many evenings swimming at the Bald Mountain Lodge and eating pizza at Louie’s. I’m looking forward to serving this community and working with Ketchum’s dedicated staff, City Council and Mayor.”

“Riley’s move to Ketchum is timely,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “He brings a comprehensive knowledge of municipal operations, budgeting and forward thinking – and has solved a staffing need in City Hall. Ketchum is getting the best of both worlds with Jade as our new city administrator and Suzanne staying on as the planning and building director. We’re lucky to have them both on board.”

Riley holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boise State University.

Suzanne Frick, Ketchum City Administrator since 2014, was scheduled to retire in August. Frick is currently serving in three roles: City Administrator, Executive Director of Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency (KURA) and Director of Planning and Building.

During her career, in addition to city administrator, Frick was the former director of planning and building in Long Beach and Santa Monica, CA. She also supervised the Long Beach office of sustainability. With over 25 years in planning, building and community development, Frick will continue to serve as the Director of Planning and Building and Executive Director of KURA in Ketchum.

“I am thrilled that Suzanne has agreed to stay on with the city,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “She has been an invaluable asset to Ketchum, and to me since I became mayor. Her depth of knowledge in planning, and familiarity with our town, makes her the perfect candidate to fill that position.”