Fort Smith leader named Branson city administrator

Aldermen selected Kruithof in executive session Monday night, according to a news release. He was one of two finalists brought to Branson last week to meet with the community; the other was Dan Galloway, city manager of Stillwater, Okla.

Details of Kruithof’s contract, including a salary and start date, have not been finalized, but Presley estimates he could be in the position within a month, the release said.

Kruithof presently is deputy city administrator for Fort Smith, Ark., where he has worked since 1999, overseeing a number of capital improvement projects, spearheading the city’s first comprehensive development plan and working with regional economic development and affordable housing efforts.

He carries more than 27 years of municipal management experience, according to the release. Kruithof has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from Oklahoma State University.

Branson has been without a city administrator since Terry Dody’s July resignation. Assistant City Administrator Frank Schoneboom has served in the interim.