Marion announces city manager finalists

MARION — The finalists for the new Marion city manager have been announced.

Four final candidates are vying for the position left open by former City Manager Lon Pluckhahn, who left to become deputy city manager in Vancouver, Wash.

The city will host a town hall from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at City Hall. A Zoom link will be provided on the city’s website for those who wish to participate virtually, a city news release said. Residents will be able to meet the candidates and ask questions at the event.

The candidates are Aaron Kooiker, Michel Pogge-Weaver, Albert Roder and Ryan Waller. All four work in Iowa.

Kooiker has served city administrator in Fairfield since 2017. Before that, he was the city administrator in Hull for five years.

Kooiker’s experience also includes working as a police officer and law enforcement instructor. He attended the University of Iowa, receiving his bachelor’s degree in sociology. He received his master’s degree in public administration from Bellevue University.

Pogge-Weaver has spent the last five years as the city manager in Carroll and was previously a county administrator in Swift County, Minn. He also has been a city planner in Stillwater, Minn., and a planner in Ankeny.

Pogge-Weaver obtained his dual bachelor’s degree in community and regional planning and political science from Iowa State University. He also received his master’s degree from Hamline University in public administration.

Roder has served as city manager for Independence since 2014. His experience also includes being a county administrator, planning consultant and chamber and economic development executive.

Roder received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Moorhead State University and his master’s degree in public administration from University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Waller has served as city manager in Indianola since 2016. Before that, he was the assistant county administrator for Lake County, Ill. His experience also includes being an assistant village administrator in Lake Bluff, Ill., and administrative assistant to the city manager in Highland Park, Ill.

Waller obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Iowa and his master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.

The next city manager will take over the role from acting City Manager Tom Treharne, the city’s community development director.

Pluckhahn served as city manager for 14 years, as Marion’s population swelled by 10,000.

Pluckhahn has led the city through many new developments and projects, including the Marion police facility and the Marion Enterprise Center, the YMCA, the city’s fire department headquarters and the city’s purchase of the Marion Airport.

Pluckhahn’s salary was $186,068 annually when he left.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com