News

Yukon’s new city manager hits ground running

Future looks bright with Kretchmar, a 25-year City employee, leading Yukon

January 23, 2021

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New Yukon City Manager Tammy Kretchmar receives the oath of office from Yukon Municipal Judge George Ramey during the Jan 19th Yukon City Council meeting inside the Centennial Building, 12 S 5th. Kretchmar has worked for the City of Yukon for 25 years and became assistant city manager in 2010. (Photo by Conrad Dudderar)

By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer

Armed with 25 years of institutional knowledge, Yukon’s new city manager has hit the ground running.

Tammy Kretchmar, after receiving the oath of office from Municipal Judge George Ramey at Tuesday night’s Yukon City Council meeting, has officially taken the lead for the City of Yukon.

Kretchmar took the city manager’s seat at this week’s council meeting alongside council members inside the Centennial Building, 12 S 5^th. Family, friends and fellow City employees attended to share in the historic occasion.

“I swear that I will faithfully discharge my duties as city manager for the City of Yukon, Oklahoma to the best of my ability,” said Kretchmar, reciting her oath.

Kretchmar, who joined the City of Yukon in 1996, became assistant city manager in 2010.

Yukon City Council members welcome Tammy Kretchmar as the new city manager: From left, Aric Gilliland (Ward 4), Donna Yanda (Ward 3), Mayor Shelli Selby (Ward 2), Kretchmar, Rick Cacini (Ward 1), and Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton (At-Large). The city council unanimously selected Kretchmar among eight applicants to succeed Jim Crosby. (Photo by Conrad Dudderar)

The Yukon City Council on Dec. 22, 2020 unanimously selected Kretchmar to succeed the retiring Jim Crosby as the Yukon’s chief city administrator. Eight applicants sought the position.

“I want to thank my family and my fellow employees for all the support they have given me during this process,” an emotional Kretchmar said at Tuesday night’s meeting. “I couldn’t have done it without them.

“I look forward to my tenure here as the city manager and I’m excited about the future. I will do the best job I can …. that’s why I’m here.”

‘WE BACK YOU 100%’

Yukon City Council members, who chose Kretchmar among eight applicants to become Yukon’s new city manager, offered their congratulations this week.

“I feel like we have made a wonderful choice as a city council,” Mayor Shelli Selby told Kretchmar. “We back you 100%.”

Ward 4 City Council Member Aric Gilliland is pleased that “someone well equipped is going to take the reins from here.”

“I’m excited to see what the future holds,” he said.

New Yukon City Manager Tammy Kretchmar receives congratulations from Van Wootton at the Jan. 19th Yukon City Council meeting. Van, the son of Yukon Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton, thanked city leaders for the annual “Christmas in the Park” light tour and encouraged them to bring back the outdoor skating rink. (Photo provided)

Kretchmar becomes Yukon’s fourth city manager in the past 30 years, joining Stan Griel, Grayson Bottom and Crosby. Kretchmar and retired City Clerk Mary Huckaba both served as interim city manager.

Kretchmar credited her predecessor, Crosby, for the guidance provided and knowledge shared over the years.

Crosby served as Yukon city manager from 1994 to 2011 before returning to the position in early 2016.

Crosby retired effective Jan. 22, ending a career in municipal government that started in 1964 (see related story).