News Flash

Dear Pinetop-Lakeside Community,

I am honored to introduce myself to you as the Town Manager for the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside. It is a privilege to serve a community that cares so deeply about its people, its character, and its future.

Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to serve as Interim Town Manager and work closely with Town Council, staff, and community partners. During that time, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our employees and the pride residents take in this Town. Those experiences affirmed my commitment to providing steady leadership, transparent communication, and thoughtful decision-making as we move forward together.

My focus as Town Manager is centered on a few guiding priorities. First, ensuring that core services remain reliable, responsive, and well managed. Second, strengthening internal operations so staff are supported and empowered to do their best work. Third, fostering open communication and trust between the Town organization, Council, and the community we serve.

Pinetop-Lakeside is a unique mountain Town with a strong sense of identity. Preserving that character while planning responsibly for the future requires collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and listening carefully to community voices. I am committed to working with Council and staff to approach challenges with practical solutions and a long-term perspective.

You will find in this update an overview of several recent staffing appointments and internal promotions. These changes reflect an investment in continuity, institutional knowledge, and individuals who are deeply committed to the success of Pinetop-Lakeside. I am confident in this leadership team and grateful for the professionalism and dedication they bring to their roles.

I look forward to continuing to build relationships throughout the community and welcome your engagement as we move ahead. Thank you for the trust you place in your local government and for the opportunity to serve this Town.

With appreciation,

Kristi SalskovTown ManagerTown of Pinetop-Lakeside

Community Update on Staffing Appointments

Town of Pinetop-Lakeside

The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside would like to share an update with the community regarding several recent staffing appointments and internal promotions. These changes reflect the Town’s continued commitment to stable leadership, quality service delivery, and investing in people who are dedicated to the long-term success of our community.

Kristi Salskov, Town Manager

Kristi Salskov has been appointed as Town Manager for the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside following an extensive recruitment and evaluation process. Kristi previously served as Interim Town Manager, providing steady leadership during a period of transition. She brings a strong understanding of municipal management, fiscal oversight, and organizational leadership, with a focus on transparency, collaboration, and strengthening relationships across the organization and community.

Malaina Spillman, Interim Public Works Director

In October, Malaina Spillman was named Interim Public Works Director. Malaina has been with the Town since 2018 and previously served as Assistant to the Public Works Director. A Pinetop-Lakeside native, she brings strong institutional knowledge and a deep personal commitment to the community. Her experience and dedication provide continuity in overseeing public works operations and infrastructure needs.

Annie DeRosier, Marketing and Communications Director

In October, Annie DeRosier was appointed Marketing and Communications Director. Annie has been with the Town since 2019 and brings more than twenty years of experience in brand development and communications. Her work focuses on expanding community engagement, supporting the local business community, and promoting Pinetop-Lakeside through both resident-focused and tourism-oriented communication channels. Her passion for the White Mountains helps guide storytelling that reflects the Town’s identity and values.

Precila De La Garza, Community Services Director

Precila De La Garza has been promoted to Community Services Director. This newly restructured position focuses on local events, nonprofit partnerships, and community programming. Precila has been with the Town since 2023 and previously served as Executive Secretary for the Police Department. She has played a key role in organizing community events such as National Night Out and Sirens and Sleighbells, helping strengthen connections between the Town and its residents.

Frank Young, Interim Community Development Director

Frank Young has been named Interim Community Development Director. Frank has been with the Town since 2019 and has worked in both Public Works and Community Development, providing him with a broad understanding of Town operations and development processes. He is well known for his approachable style and commitment to helping residents and businesses navigate projects and find practical solutions.

Mackenzie Valichnac, Interim Town Clerk

Mackenzie Valichnac has been named Interim Town Clerk. Mackenzie has been with the Town since 2021 and previously served as Deputy Town Clerk. She earned her Certified Municipal Clerk designation in 2025 and brings experience in records management, compliance oversight, and meeting administration. Mackenzie has managed Planning and Zoning meetings, supporting both accurate record keeping and procedural compliance. A Pinetop-Lakeside native, she brings a strong understanding of local government operations and a commitment to public service.

Town of Pinetop-Lakeside Concludes Town Manager Hiring Process and Moves Forward with Contract Negotiations

Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ. Friday, January 16, 2026. The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside has concluded its Town Manager hiring process and, following Council direction, has selected to enter into contract negotiations with the current Interim Town Manager, Kristi Salskov.

The recruitment effort began in September 2025 and concluded with a three-day, in-person assessment designed to provide both Town Council and the community with meaningful opportunities to evaluate the finalists. The final phase of the process included a panel interview, a community presentation, a community meet and greet, and a public Town Council meeting in which Council interviewed both candidates. The process was intentionally structured to incorporate staff, stakeholder, and community input at multiple stages.

Finalist Jak Teel, currently serving as the Parks, Recreation, and Library Director for the City of Cottonwood, presented a strong and professional candidacy. He demonstrated thoughtful insight into municipal operations, departmental leadership, and the importance of community-focused service in local government.

Throughout her presentation and interview responses, Kristi Salskov emphasized her deep commitment to the Pinetop-Lakeside community and her focus on rebuilding trust through transparency, consistency, and collaboration. Drawing on her experience serving as Interim Town Manager during a period of financial discovery and organizational transition, she highlighted fiscal responsibility, strengthened internal controls, long-term financial sustainability, and relationship development with Council, staff, regional partners, and residents.

At the conclusion of Thursday night’s meeting, the Mayor commented on how fortunate the Town was to have two strong applicants to consider. She expressed sincere appreciation for the professionalism, preparation, and effort demonstrated by both candidates, as well as for the level of community participation that informed Council’s decision.

A Special Town Council Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at 4:00 p.m. at Pinetop-Lakeside Town Hall to consider and finalize the terms of an employment contract with Kristi Salskov.

Over the past six months, the Town has taken deliberate steps to course correct and begin recovery from several financial issues identified in 2025, while also establishing a more secure operational foundation following significant staff turnover. Town Council views this action as an important milestone toward continued organizational stability, fiscal oversight, and long-term community confidence.

Media Contact:Annie DeRosierDirector of Marketing and CommunicationsTown of Pinetop-Lakeside(928) 368-8696aderosier@pinetoplakesideaz.gov