Marion assistant city manager leaving for Oskaloosa

MARION — Amal Eltahir, assistant city manager in Marion, is leaving to become the city manager of Oskaloosa.

Eltahir’s resignation is effective May 18, the city announced Tuesday evening.

Eltahir joined the city of Marion in April 2016, as a building inspector. She was promoted to her current role in July 2018.

“One does not have to look far to find Amal’s positive and impactful contributions to our community,” City Manager Ryan Waller said.

“Whether it be inspecting new growth or helping manage the city’s growth strategy, she has been involved in all aspects of the successes of Marion,” he said. “We are sad we won’t be able to see her daily, but we are very excited for Amal as she begins this new chapter in her career.”

In her latest role, Eltahir was heavily involved in the city’s economic development strategy and spearheaded the development of the city’s capital improvements plan.

She also served as project manager for the new Marion Fire Department headquarters, oversaw the city’s strategic plan and was the staff liaison for the Community Equity Task Force.

When the derecho struck Marion in August 2020, Eltahir coordinated Marion’s Emergency Operations Center and facilitated the FEMA and insurance reimbursement processes for the city.

Oskaloosa, in south-central Iowa, is a city of around 12,000, the county seat of Mahaska County and the home of William Penn University.

Eltahir succeeds Michael Schrock, Oskaloosa’s city manager for 12 years, who resigned in October to become Ankeny’s assistant city manager.

Eltahir will be paid $147,000 annually, with the potential to increase to $150,000 after a six-month evaluation, according to minutes of the May 2 Oskaloosa City Council meeting.

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