Bishop Plans to Name Ethan Aukee Interim City Administrator After Pamela Foster Resignation

BISHOP, INYO COUNTY — November 7, 2026. Bishop city leaders say they intend to name Assistant City Administrator Ethan Aukee interim administrator while preparing for the departure of City Administrator Pamela Foster.

Leadership transition

Foster announced she will leave her post effective November 27, 2026, after approximately 14 months serving the city, to focus on family. Mayor Stephen Muchovej thanked her for work on city operations and administrative efficiency and said the council wants to maintain continuity while selecting a permanent successor.

Why Aukee is being considered

The mayor cited Aukee’s familiarity with municipal departments, staff and ongoing projects as reasons for proposing him to manage day-to-day operations during the transition. The city characterized this as an intended appointment, not a final action already taken by the council in the announcement.

Permanent recruitment

Officials said they do not want to rush the search for a new permanent administrator. Residents should watch the city’s meeting agendas for the formal interim appointment, any recruitment process and decisions affecting major municipal projects. The transition does not itself change the elected City Council.

Source: City of Bishop statement, November 5, 2026.

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