Development Services Director Jarod Nygren will serve as Kalispell’s interim city manager after Doug Russell departs later this month.

The Kalispell City Council on Monday unanimously appointed Nygren to fill Russell’s shoes as the city looks for a new city manager over the next four to six months.

“I think this is a testament to our current city manager,” said Councilor Jed Fisher. “Not only do we have [Nygren], we had a couple other people who are very qualified ... I think it’s part of building a good staff.”

Council has known of Russell’s departure since the beginning of July. He is stepping down on Aug. 20 after 13 years directing the municipality's daily operations. Russell is headed to Lakewood, Washington where he will serve as that municipality’s city manager beginning Aug. 25.

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