Former Project Manager of Garberville Sanitary District Appointed Blue Lake City Manager

Jennie Short who previously worked as the Project Manager of the Garberville Sanitary District has been appointed as Blue Lake’s City Manager.

Press release from the City of Blue Lake:

At their regular meeting of December 23, 2025, the Blue Lake City Council unanimously appointed Jennie Short as City Manager, effective January 5, 2026. Ms. Short will succeed interim City Manager Jill Duffy, who has served the City since last August.

With nearly three decades as a civil engineer, Ms. Short has a proven record of managing infrastructure projects that have improved essential services such as water supply, sewer collection and treatment, airports, and transportation. Her knowledge in regulatory compliance, fiscal management, and enterprise fund financial management will further enhances her ability to advance the city’s objectives.

Mayor John Sawatzky expressed confidence in Ms. Short’s leadership abilities, stating, “We are excited to welcome Ms. Short and are confident she will be an excellent leader for our City and our residents.”

As a third-generation Blue Laker, Ms. Short is dedicated to enhancing the community’s infrastructure, public safety, and financial stability.

Ms. Short grew up in Blue Lake and graduated from Chico State University with a bachelors of science in Civil Engineering. She has worked as a civil engineer with the State of Oregon’s Department of Transportation, the US Forest Service, the City of Roseburg, Del Norte County and the local consulting company 4J’s Consulting. Following a return home to Blue Lake in May 2007 she has served on the city’s Parks and Recreations Commission and the Blue Lake/Fieldbrook Little League Board of Directors.