Finalist David A. Vela Withdraws from Alamogordo City Manager Search Amid Second-Round Interviews; Remaining Candidates Dr. Stephanie Hernandez and Theo Melancon Offer Insights on Process and Vision

Alamogordo, NM – March 3, 2026 – As the City of Alamogordo embarks on the second round of in-person interviews for its long-vacant permanent city manager position, one of the three finalists, David A. Vela, ICMA-CM, has withdrawn from consideration. Vela's decision, shared exclusively with AlamogordoTownNews.org, centers on personal and professional priorities, including a commitment to opportunities within Texas. 

This leaves Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez and Theogene "Theo" Melancon as the sole remaining candidates vying for the role.

The interviews, scheduled for March 3–6, 2026, in closed executive sessions under NMSA 1978 § 10-15-1(H)(2) for personnel matters, mark the first involvement of newly appointed District 5 Commissioner Alfonso "Al" Hernandez. Commissioner Hernandez, a veteran of 12 years on the commission prior to recent electoral setbacks, was sworn in on February 24, 2026, following a 4-2 vote to fill the vacancy created by Sharon McDonald's ascension to mayor.

AlamogordoTownNews.org contacted the finalists for their perspectives on the second round,with Commissioner Hernandez's addition to the panel, Vela's withdrawal, and broader insights into the process. 

All three provided on-the-record statements, which are included in full below for transparency.

David A. Vela's Withdrawal Statement:

I have withdrawn from the Alamogordo City Manager interview process. This decision was made after careful consideration and was based on personal and professional factors, particularly my desire to remain in Texas, where I intend to continue pursuing opportunities for the benefit of my family and long-term career plans.

To answer your question directly, I have not withdrawn due to any issue with the City of Alamogordo or its selection process. My experience throughout the process was professional and respectful. I appreciate the time and consideration extended to me by the City Commission and the recruiters.

At this time, my focus is on opportunities within Texas that align with my goals and geographic priorities. My withdrawal should not be interpreted as dissatisfaction in any way. I continue to hold Alamogordo in high regard and wish the community success as it moves forward with its selection.

You may consider these comments on the record. Please let me know if you need anything further.

Sincerely,
David A. Vela, ICMA-CM

Vela, with nearly nine years as city manager in Sweetwater, Texas, and a brief stint in Odessa, brings ICMA credentials and experience in military-connected communities akin to Alamogordo's ties to Holloman Air Force Base.

Theo Melancon's Comments:

AlamgordoTownNews.org: Do you have any comments around this round of interviews with a newly seated commissioner? 

Theo Melancon's  Response: "I am looking forward to the opportunity to interview with the Commission, especially with the newly seated Commissioner. The interview will be an opportunity for me to more fully understand the elected body’s vision and to see if I am the right person to bring their vision to fruition."

AlamgordoTownNews.org: We spoke with candidate Vela and he has withdrawn from the process to focus on remaining in Texas. Any thoughts? "Mr. Vela is a highly respected City Manager and I wish him the very best as he focuses on Texas opportunities. He and I have been members of the Texas City Management Association for many years and he has served multiple cities dutifully."

AlamgordoTownNews.org:  Any comments or insights you care to share? "I have enjoyed my time getting to know Alamogordo in more detail. It is a community with many projects in various stages of development. I am thoroughly impressed with downtown revitalization efforts, sidewalk improvements, and water line replacements that have been undertaken. The Commission has been professional and the recruitment firm has been attentive throughout the process."

Melancon, with over 20 years in Texas municipal management, including recent finalist status in Navasota but withdrew with emphasizes economic development, workforce training, and collaborative governance.

Dr. Stephanie Hernandez's Comments:

AlamgordoTownNews.org: Do you have any comments around this round of interviews with a newly seated commissioner? 

"Commissioner Hernandez was serving on the Commission when I was selected as Finance Director in 2019. While I did not work directly under him in the capacity of Assistant City Manager, I have worked with him and communicated with him over the past seven years on a variety of city matters.
Throughout that time, our interactions have been professional and focused on issues impacting the community. For example, during the Washington Avenue bridge project, he brought forward the idea of designating portions of Oregon Avenue as no-parking to improve traffic flow and safety. That type of engagement reflects a commissioner paying attention to operational impacts and constituent concerns.
I respect Commissioner Hernandez and his wife for their continued service to the public. He serves in his role as an elected commissioner, and she serves our country as a Border Patrol agent. Public service requires commitment and sacrifice, and their dedication to the community is commendable.
As with any commissioner, my focus is on maintaining a respectful and professional working relationship. The Commission establishes policy, adopts ordinances, and sets the strategic direction of the City, while the City Manager and staff are responsible for executive and operational functions, including implementation and enforcement. Preserving that clear distinction between legislative authority and administrative execution is essential to ensuring stability, growth, and forward progress for our community."

AlamgordoTownNews.org: We spoke with candidate Vela and he has withdrawn from the process to focus on remaining in Texas. Any thoughts? 

"While I’m always disappointed when someone chooses not to come to Alamogordo, because I truly believe our community is a hidden gem, I also recognize that relocating and making that kind of transition is a big decision, especially when it involves family.
I respect Mr. Vela’s decision to remain in Texas. Those choices are never easy, and I’m sure it was a difficult decision that required careful consideration. I appreciate that he took the time to apply and consider Alamogordo, and I wish him nothing but the best in his continued service."

AlamgordoTownNews.org: Any comments or insights you care to share? 

"This has been 18 months serving as City Manager in this current round, and 28 months total if you include 2023. Carrying two high-level roles requires focus and discipline, but I truly love the work and the opportunity to serve this community. Regardless of the process or the length of time, my commitment to our city has not changed.
Over the past 18 months, we’ve made significant progress and taken on major initiatives. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but we’re now seeing visible results across the city. With 20 active projects underway, it’s exciting to see tangible progress that directly benefits our residents, businesses, and overall quality of life. Alamogordo’s citizens care deeply about their community, and that engagement continues to move us forward.
That is why my focus remains on supporting our citizens and staff while ensuring the City continues to move forward without disruption."

Dr. Hernandez, a lifelong Alamogordo resident with a Ph.D. in public administration, joined the city as finance director in 2019 under then-City Manager Maggie Paluch. She advanced to assistant city manager in 2022 and has served as acting city manager since the departure of Rick Holden due to political pressure in September 2024,  accumulating 28 months in the role including a prior interim stint in 2023 when Brian Ceaser left earlier than planned due to political pressure. Under her leadership, the city has secured over $15 million in grants for infrastructure, balanced budgets, and advanced projects like the Washington Avenue bridge reconstruction, downtown revitalization on New York Avenue, and water line upgrades.

History of the City Manager Search: A Decade of Turnover and Challenges

Public documents and city records, including commission agendas on the CivicClerk portal and reports from local media, paint a picture of chronic instability in Alamogordo's city manager position. Over the past decade (2015–2025), the city has cycled through at least seven managers, many in interim capacities, with average tenures under two years. This turnover has contributed to stalled projects, rising utility rates, declining staff morale, and eroded public trust.

Key historical milestones include:

Pre-2015: Jim Stahle's quiet resignation amid operational challenges.

2015–2016: Dr. George Straface's brief interim tenure and a settlement.

2019: Maggie Paluch's resignation following allegations of unprofessional conduct and a settlement.

2023–2024: Interim periods, including Dr. Hernandez's first acting role in 2023 with Brian Ceasars departure and exit with settlement in September 2024 after Rick Holdens departure and settlement.

The current search, the third round since 2024, was relaunched in late 2025 after an initial 2025 effort collapsed under allegations of bias, including reported sexist and racist remarks, prompting an ethics investigation and suspension. Four candidates were interviewed in February 2026: Dr. Hernandez and Melancon on February 5, Vela and Kelcey Young on February 10. Young did not advance, and prior external finalists Dana Schoening (Tuttle, OK) and Jerry Flannery (Commerce City, CO) withdrew in January 2026, citing other opportunities and aversion to perceived political "gamesmanship."

Public calls for transparency have intensified, with residents petitioning for open forums and criticizing closed sessions. Allegations of leaks, scoring discrepancies (where Dr. Hernandez scored highest overall but lower from certain commissioners), and insider advocacy for controversial figures have fueled speculation of favoritism or discrimination, raising lawsuit risks in a selection process that the Municipal League is actively being relied upon. 

Managed by recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR), the process has drawn scrutiny for opacity, despite Commissioner Hernandez's pledges for a "smooth, transparent search." A potential vote could occur at the March 11, 2026, commission meeting.

AlamogordoTownNews.org will continue monitoring developments. For candidate resumes, agendas, and historical coverage, visit our site or the city's CivicClerk portal. Residents can engage by attending meetings or contacting commissioners.

More News from Alamogordo

• Los Cruces Jury Rules in Favor of Four Officers in Civil Rights Lawsuit Los Cruces Jury finds for police and city…
• Alamogordo Community Forums Salon Series Spotlights Mental Health Leaders -Kimmie Jordan & Lynn Kimball 6 pm Join the conversation