If you ever played golf with Emporia’s retiring city Manager Mark McAnarney you would undoubtedly remember his slow, calculated, and consistent backswing. It seldom changed, just like his lifestyle – consistent, considered, well planned, and usually understated.
It seems every decision Mark makes comes only after careful consideration and he’s reluctant to take credit for his excellent leadership.
When Chuck Samples asked him “what he’ll remember most about his time leading the city of Emporia,” he responded “people like Virgil Basgall, Steve Commons, Ray Toso, and Larry Bloomenkamp,” giving them more credit than himself.
Mark grew up in Osage City, so moving to Emporia in 1989 to become Assistant Manager was a lot like moving home. When Common’s resigned as city manager he tried to convince McAnarney to apply for the job, but after careful consideration (remember his slow backswing) especially concerning his responsibility to his young family’s activities – he declined to apply.
When Matt Zimmerman resigned late in 2013 McAnarney was named interim city manager for the second time. This time the City Commission urged him to let them remove the “interim” and take the job. Once again Mark was hesitant and finally agreed to be Emporia’s City Manager only minutes before the Commission was set to hire a search firm.
City Managers come in many shapes and sizes. McAnarney’s predecessor Matt Zimmerman was often in the public eye just the opposite of Mark who let his staff and elected leaders do most of the talking.
Many good things have happened to Emporia during Mark McAnarney’s time here. With his low profile style, not many will know a gravel bike race was born and grew; disc golf became a household word here: companies were born, built, and sold; our Zoo flourished: SOS consolidated and relocated, and city business was well tended to include a great relationship with Lyon County without taxes going up all while Mark McAnarney was at the city. All are true along with dozens of other accomplishments he won’t take credit for.
It is safe to say McAnarney will be missed! It can also be said that he is a really nice guy and hopefully he and Amy will find their back here in retirement.
Thanks, Mark, for a job well done.
