Clifton steps down as Vail town manager

Vail Town Manager Greg Clifton has notified the Town Council and town staff of his intention to leave the organization effective immediately. Clifton has been Vail’s town manager for the past 19 months and previously served as the town manager in Telluride for seven years prior to his arrival in Vail.

Clifton describes his decision to resign as a mutual parting of the ways that is entirely amicable. “This experience has been extremely enriching and rewarding for me both personally and professionally,” he said. “I have come to love this community and the many wonderful people here. I know that it has been a short tenure, but there have been some accomplishments to show for it. Notably, the directors who have been hired over the past year-and-a-half are solid leaders who will help move this organization in a positive direction for years to come.  I am also proud of the relationship with Vail Resorts that has been strengthened with much collaboration and innovation.”

Vail Mayor Dave Chapin says the organization has made progress on numerous other fronts during Clifton’s tenure, including the new parking garage at Red Sandstone Elementary School and Vail’s certification as a Sustainable Mountain Resort Destination. He was also instrumental in formation of a new Housing Department. “We wish Greg the best and appreciate all that he has done to move this community forward,” Chapin said.   

Clifton has also helped raise Vail’s profile across the state with his involvement as a member of the Colorado Municipal League Board of Directors, the I-70 Coalition, Colorado Association of Ski Towns and as a founding member of the Colorado Communities for Climate Action.

Assistant Vail Town Manager Patty McKenny will serve as acting manager while the Town Council determines next steps in initiating a search for Clifton’s replacement.