Manhattan has found its next city manager.
City officials Friday afternoon announced that K-State graduate Danielle Dulin will take over the role following the April retirement of Ron Fehr.
Dulin, who currently is the city manager in Warrensburg, Missouri, is set to begin work as the ninth city manager on Oct. 14. The city commission will vote to formally appoint her to the position on Tuesday.
“I am honored to be selected as the next city manager for Manhattan,” Dulin said in a written statement. “I am excited to bring my passion for local government and commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents in Manhattan. I look forward to working with the city Commission, the city team, and our community partners to build on our success and secure our future. Additionally, we are thrilled to be moving back to the Sunflower State to be closer to our families.”
Dulin was one of 50 candidates and four finalists for the job. She has more than 10 years of municipal leadership experience in the greater Kansas City area, serving as the assistant city manager in Lenexa, Prairie Village and Mission Hills before her time in Warrensburg.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from K-State and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas.
Mayor Susan Adamchak said the recruiting process “went smoothly” and that “the high quality of our candidate pool speaks to Manhattan’s tremendous appeal.”
“Our community will benefit from Danielle’s extensive experience and dynamic leadership,” Adamchak said. “I’m excited to work with her.”
The city commission will consider a formal contract of employment at its Tuesday meeting.
Deputy city manager Jason Hilgers has been serving as the interim city manager since Fehr’s retirement.
