Monmouth has found its next city administrator, who has experience leading communities in Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Illinois.
Lou Leone will start in his new role in the Maple City on Friday, July 10, replacing the retiring Lew Steinbrecher after nine years.
Leone previously worked in Kiowa, Kansas; New London, Wisconsin; Nebraska City, Nebraska; and Harvard, Illinois.
Leone has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Millikin University in Decatur and a master’s degree in public administration, with a focus in local government management, from the University of Colorado Denver.
According to a release from the city of Monmouth, Leone was chosen for a number of reasons, including his sharp financial management skills, experience successfully undertaking new residential housing projects, and the ability to negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
Monmouth Mayor Rod Davies says Leone has excellent experience in similarly sized cities and the “right background and skill set to ensure we continue prudent financial management, aggressive economic development and effective leadership of city government.”
After posting the position in March, the two most qualified candidates were selected for city council interviews in mid-June.
Following these interviews, the administration was authorized to negotiate employment with the candidate the city council chose.
