Seader Wins Assistant of the Year Award

The Colorado City and County Management Association (CCCMA) has named Longmont Assistant City Manager Sandi Seader as the 2020 Assistant of the Year.

“Imagine a person with the best qualities of the most effective leaders you know, then imagine the best qualities of your favorite people. Roll those qualities together and you get Sandi Seader,” said a number of her Longmont colleagues on the nomination form they filled out for the award.

“Your commitment to our organization and everyone that makes up our organization is unmatched,” Longmont City Manager Harold Dominguez said. “I can’t think of anyone that is more deserving of this award than you.”

Seader received her award during the CCCMA membership meeting on March 29. Sandi’s family and many of her colleagues were able to listen in on the virtual presentation. Although many people were involved in the nomination process, the award remained as a complete secret from Seader until the prize was awarded.

“In a time where no one had one more moment to do one more thing, I think it is absolutely stunning that I was nominated by the team. I am absolutely humbled and so proud to work with everyone in Longmont,” Seader said.

To see a video synopsis of the presentation visit https://coloradoccma.org/annual-awards/.

In a recorded message, her former colleague at the City, Shawn Lewis, who is currently the city manager in Englewood, Colorado and a member of CCCMA said “After working side by side with you for 6 years – laughing and crying and strategizing great things – what I want to thank you most for is your friendship, your mentorship, and the strength of your character.”

Seader earned a BA in Political Science/Sociology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Indiana University in Bloomington. She joined the City of Longmont as a Management Analyst in Public Works in 1998. In September 2003, she accepted the position of Assistant to the City Manager and in 2012, she was appointed Assistant City Manager.

In her 20 plus years with the City of Longmont Sandi has been asked to deliver new recycling cans to residents, lead a team of employees and volunteers on trip to earn All-America City status in 2006 and 2019, set up and run a flood recovery center in 2013, and manage many city response programs during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.

“My career at the city has always provided a unique opportunity to make a real difference in peoples’ lives. I get to connect people with their government, which is my passion,” Seader said.

The Colorado City & County Management Association exists to connect local government managers and assistants through professional networking and career development; supporting their service to Colorado communities. CCCMA is a state affiliate of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Their vision is to be the leading professional association dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throughout the world.