Current Deputy City Manager for the City of Emporia, Mark Detter says his upcoming move to Rose Hill will be a return to a familiar setting.
That’s likely because Detter previously served as City Administrator of Rose Hill from 2000 to 2004, long before his time in Emporia, which is set to end next month. It was announced Tuesday morning that Detter is set to move back to Rose Hill on May 22, where he will reassume his previous title.
Following the announcement of his departure, Detter spoke with KVOE News and stated his move to Rose Hill follows months of discussions and several weeks of negotiations.
As for what led to his upcoming departure, Detter says a pair of “personal connections” pulled him back to his previous role.
Detter says he feels very comfortable heading back to Rose Hill, saying his prior experience should make for a smooth transition.
Detter’s transition comes with several notable matters currently in motion, including the establishment of the Flint Hills Economic Alliance, the entity seeking to bring all economic agencies under a single umbrella. KVOE News asked Detter if he feels his departure will disrupt those plans in any way, to which he stated he feels there is enough “symmetry” in place that it should not cause any complications.
Detter has been part of Emporia city government since April 2023, first as assistant city manager, replacing Lane Massey, who departed Emporia for Spring Hill in 2022, and then as deputy city manager, as Tayler Wash became the assistant city manager two years ago. The city says it will not immediately fill the deputy city manager position, instead spreading those duties among the current leadership team.
8:47 am Tuesday:
The city of Emporia is looking for a new person for its leadership team.
Deputy City Manager Mark Detter is leaving after accepting the city administrator position in Rose Hill. City Manager Trey Cocking says, “We appreciate Mark’s service to the Emporia community and the leadership he has provided during his time with the city. We wish him the very best in his new endeavors.”
Detter has been part of Emporia city government since April 2023, first as assistant city manager and then as deputy city manager as Tayler Wash became the assistant city manager two years ago. Detter’s last day locally will be next month.
The city says it will not immediately fill the deputy city manager position, instead spreading those duties among the current leadership team.
