Bartlesville city manager Mike Bailey resigns effective immediately

Daisy Creager | The Wiley Post
Published August 7, 2026

The City of Bartlesville announced on Friday that City Manager Mike Bailey resigned after eight years in the position, effective immediately.

Sources familiar with the situation said the move was sudden. The City of Bartlesville release does not specify a reason for the resignation and City officials say they cannot comment further at this time.

In his resignation letter, Bailey states “after considerable reflection” he is pursuing opportunities outside of the City of Bartlesville.

Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders is serving as acting manager while the City Council determines the next steps, according to the release.

Bailey was hired by the City in 2005 as an accountant and named city clerk and treasurer a year later. In April 2011, he became the City’s director of administrative services and chief financial officer. Bailey began serving as city manager on Aug. 1, 2018, after being selected by the City Council, according to a past City of Bartlesville press release.

In his resignation letter, Bailey wrote that serving in his position has been the “greatest honor of his professional life” and thanked the mayor and City Council for their trust.

“Bartlesville is well positioned for the future because of their commitment and talent. … Serving the citizens of Bartlesville has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this remarkable organization,” Bailey wrote.

In 2024, Bailey received the 2024 Gerald Wilkins Award from the City Managers Association of Oklahoma.

Acting City Manager Laura Sanders has worked for the City since 2015, previously serving as the human resources director. She was named assistant city manager in 2024 following the resignation of Tracey Roles, according to a past City release.

Before working for the City of Bartlesville, Sanders was a human resources manager for Mercy Hospital in Independence, Kansas. 

In the City’s Friday release, Mayor Jim Curd said the City Council has confidence in Sanders during the transition.

“Her experience, leadership, and commitment to our organization will help ensure continuity of operations and the high level of service our residents expect,” Curd said.