INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) board voted 3-2 Wednesday night to appoint Kent Walrack as general manager, a decision made by outgoing trustees six weeks before two newly elected board members take office. 

The vote was led by Chair Sara Schmitz and Vice Chair Matthew Dent, who are leaving the board. Trustee Ray Tulloch was the third vote for Walrack. Tulloch’s term goes for two more years. 

“Neither Trustee (Michaela) Tonking or (Dave) Noble backed Kent Walrack as the best choice for GM,” said Mick Homan, a newly elected trustee who served as an at-large member of IVGID’s Audit Committee. “So, 4 of the 5 members of the GM’s new board did not support him for the position. In any organization dynamic, that’s clearly not a recipe for success.” 

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In January, Homan and Michelle Jezycki will take their seats on the board. 

In public comment before the candidate interviews, Homan and Jezycki voiced their support for Robert Harrison. Tonking and Noble voted for Harrison. 

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“I think the candidate with the best background, experience and demonstrated skills to lead the district at this time was Robert Harrison,” said Homan, a retired Procter & Gamble executive with more than 35 years of financial leadership experience. “As a district, our top priorities needing immediate attention are rebuilding our organization and working through accounting, controls, systems and regulatory issues. Of all the candidates, Robert clearly has the most relevant and directly transferable skills to lead IVGID in addressing those priorities. Those skills have played out in a track record of demonstrated successes against similar priorities in an equivalent environment.”

Homan added that Harrison is a proven leader with long-term sustained results in multiple cities. He’s built highly effective, collaborative teams. He’s led Tyler Munis system conversions. He’s improved the financial standing of multiple cities, improving their systems and their underlying debt ratings. 

“I appreciate Kent Walrack’s interest in the position,” Homan said. “While he’s a proven leader with great experience in the food supply business, that’s very different from running a governmental entity. I’m concerned about the lack of critical skills needed on day 1 to rectify our regulatory and financial situation.” 

Homan adds that Walrack would be an intriguing option if IVGID were running smoothly. 

“Mr. Walrack demonstrated his capabilities very well,” Tulloch said of his interview. “He demonstrated how he would be an effective servant leader for the district.” 

Walrack came prepared with an action plan to address the immediate issues and for longer-term success for the district, Tulloch said. 

“Mr. Walrack understands our business model and our revenue model, which is drastically different than a city manager,” Tulloch said. “It is dramatically different than a city model which relies on property taxes.” 

For the last year, the community has commented on how it has many talented people living here that could help address IVGID’s issues, Tulloch said. 

“It is refreshing that we now have had one of these skilled community members step up to take on the challenge,” Tulloch said. 

It’s disappointing that new board members who campaigned on a slogan of inclusiveness want to disparage Mr Walrack’s candidacy and the board’s selection, Tulloch said. 

The three final general manager candidates were Ana Cortez, Robert Harrison, and Kent Walrack. To access the agenda packet and view their resumes and cover letters, go to https://ivgid.portal.civicclerk.com/event/240/files/agenda/996