Linares takes reins at city following Everitt’s resignation

Former Moab Assistant City Manager Joel Linares officially took over as Moab City Manager on Thursday, May 9, following the departure of David Everitt.

Everitt, who had served as Moab City Manager since October of 2016, was scheduled to leave his post on Aug. 1, but resigned early to accept a contract position as the interim San Juan County Chief Administrative Officer in Monticello.

The Moab City Council voted in April to appoint Linares to the City Manager position “upon the planned departure” of Everitt. That appointment became effective May 9 with Everett’s resignation, said Lisa Church, the City of Moab’s communications manager, in a press release on May 14.

“We wish David all the best and thank him for his service and for setting the city on a strong course for the future,” Linares said. “His work here has helped develop a team of amazing employees as well as effective government.”

Linares said he is “excited to work with the community, city staff and elected officials as the city moves forward.”

Everitt will continue working with the City of Moab on a contract basis to complete several specific projects.

Linares holds an undergraduate degree in history from Utah State University and a Juris Doctorate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. He was the Grantsville city attorney for seven years and the deputy city attorney for the City of West Jordan from 2017 to April 2018. He also has been an adjunct professor of history at Utah State University since 2008.

“Joel is eminently qualified for this job and has hit the ground running,” Everitt said on May 14. “I am looking forward to his leadership at the city.”

David Everitt begins interim position in San Juan County