Outgoing Emporia City Manager Matt Zimmerman hopes he is leaving the city in better shape than it was when he came to town over six years ago.
Zimmerman’s farewell reception was held at White Auditorium Little Theater on Thursday. He becomes the city manager of Hazelwood, Mo., this weekend.
Zimmerman’s time in Emporia had notable business moves at the beginning — Tyson changing operations and cutting more than half its workforce — and at the end, with Hostess liquidating and then returning to life.
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Zimmerman says he enjoyed his time in Emporia, and he says his time here “burnished his resume” as he moves to his next job. He also says he’s grateful area residents welcomed him — and that other city leaders listened to what he had to say.
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Zimmerman spent over six years as Emporia’s city manager, replacing Steve Commons who had departed for a city position in Edmond, Okla. He had served as city manager in Prospect Heights, Ill., before coming to Emporia.
Assistant City Manager Mark McAnarney was named interim city manager last week. City commissioners plan to wait until early next year before starting a search for Zimmerman’s replacement in earnest.
