PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Presque Isle Assistant City Manager Sonja Eyler has been named the city’s interim acting administrator, and the search for a permanent leader is underway.
Following an executive session at Wednesday’s Presque Isle City Council meeting, councilors voted unanimously to appoint Eyler. Former City Manager Tyler Brown resigned on March 19.
The group also voted to direct city staff to post Brown’s job immediately in various outlets.
Eyler was hired Nov. 1 as assistant city manager, having served as director of the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library for more than 26 years.
As someone who has lived and worked in Presque Isle most of her life, she was honored to step into the interim role, Eyler said Thursday.
“I care deeply about our city and the people who call it home,” she said. “I’m committed to thoughtful, transparent leadership and to keeping our community moving forward during this time of transition.”
It’s the third time in a year and a half the city has experienced a leadership transition.
Former City Manager Martin Puckett had served for 11 years when he left in August 2023 to become executive director of the Central Aroostook Association. Tax assessor Lewis Cousins served in the interim.
Brown was hired Feb. 8, 2024. He initially resigned a month later, blindsiding city officials, but came back to the position and served until he gave his notice two weeks ago.
Councilors said they will monitor applications and then decide next steps.
