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 DeRosier
Director of Marketing and Communications
Town of Pinetop-Lakeside
(928) 368-8696
aderosier@pinetoplakesideaz.gov