Eagle promotes Melissa Daruna to town manager
Screen grab
The Eagle Town Council unanimously approved promoting interim Town Manager Melissa Daruna to the town manager position on Tuesday.
Since losing former Town Manager Larry Pardee on Dec. 12, the Town Council has undertaken a process to post the position, interview a candidate, select and hire a town manager as the town’s chief executive, in accordance with the town charter.
Town Attorney Richard Peterson-Cremer said after the Town Council came up with a job description and goals for the search, they decided to open the position internally first.
“There was a single applicant, Melissa Daruna,” Peterson-Cremer said.
The Town Council on Tuesday said it wished to appoint Daruna to a two-year term as town manager, effective immediately.
Support Local Journalism
Daruna’s employment will be subject to annual appropriation in the town’s normal budget process at a base salary of $225,000.
The town of Eagle will also provide Daruna with health, retirement, paid leave and other employment benefits.
“Melissa is an exceptional leader who combines strong listening skills with decisiveness and sound judgment,” said Mayor Bryan Woods in a release published Tuesday. “She genuinely cares about the people she works with and for, and that respect is felt across our organization. Melissa has an incredible ability to see the big picture while also breaking complex challenges into clear, actionable plans. Her commitment to fiscal responsibility, collaboration and thoughtful leadership makes her the right person to guide Eagle into its next chapter.”
Daruna joined the town of Eagle in 2023 as assistant town manager.
“When she was called upon to serve in the interim role, she did not hesitate to step in and guide the town with steady direction,” according to the release. “She quickly demonstrated a strong understanding of Eagle’s operations, priorities and people, earning the confidence of town council and staff.”
Prior to joining the town of Eagle, Daruna served as executive director of Keep It Colorado, a statewide conservation nonprofit, and spent nine years working in local government, including serving as district manager for the Ken‑Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks and tourism administration from Western Illinois University and a law degree from the University of Illinois Chicago Law School.
“As town manager, Daruna will focus on long‑term planning, responsible financial management and organizational stability, while continuing to foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture,” according to the release. “She is known for valuing people, listening carefully to diverse perspectives and leading with intention, ensuring the town’s strategic goals are supported by clear direction and practical implementation.”
Daruna said she is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the town of Eagle.
“This organization is made up of incredibly dedicated people, and I’m excited to keep working alongside staff, council, and the community as Eagle continues to grow and evolve,” she said.
The town will host a community meet‑and‑greet with Daruna on May 12 at 5 p.m., prior to the regular Town Council meeting at 6 p.m.
