Finalists Thomas Joyce, David Kees and David Lakefield will participate in an interview panel as well as employee and public engagement activities scheduled for Sept. 30. The city provided the following information about the finalists.

Currently serving as Minot’s interim city manager, Joyce began the role as assistant city manager in 2024, after working for the U.S. Army as a deputy garrison commander at Fort Carson, Colorado. Prior, he retired for the U.S. Air Force as a colonel.

Joyce earned a Master of strategic studies, Air War College; Master of military operational art and science, Air Command and Staff College; Master of Science, Purdue University. Joyce highlights his skills in leadership, management and communication as well as strategic planning, operations and intergovernmental relations.

Kees, of Irving, Texas, currently serves as an independent contractor in business development and mineral acquisition in Irving. Kees has experience as assistant city manager in Duncanville, Texas, and as previous director of Planning and Zoning in Louisiana.

David Kees

Kees earned a Master of Science in health and human performance from Northwestern State University and studied law at Louisiana State University. Kees highlights his skills in optimizing operations, performance improvements and strategic planning.

Lakefield has served as finance director for the City of Minot since 2017. Lakefield has maintained a leadership role in the City of Minot and is active in local and state partnerships.

Lakefield is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a Master of Science in management from the University of Mary. His highlighted qualifications are leadership, criminal justice experience and prioritizing optimal organizational financial health through engagement-focused, data-driven strategies.

Thomas Joyce