Newton city manager submits resignation

Newton City Manager Kelly McElroy has announced she will leave her position in October after seven years of service to the Newton community.

McElroy has been city manager since January 2020. She joined the Newton staff in October 2016, first as community development director, city planner and historic preservation officer, and later as assistant city manager.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to work for the City of Newton and the community,” McElroy said. “I am very proud of our staff team that has strong ambition, creativity, and servant leader hearts. The leadership the City Commission has provided us over the past several years has been invaluable. We are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals serving, focusing on big picture endeavors, and leading the community into a rapid growth mode.”

As city manager, McElroy led the City through the COVID-19 pandemic, construction of a new public pool, the new Railer Field at Centennial Park, a new Newton Public Library, remodel of the Law Enforcement Center, the City’s Sesquicentennial celebration, and a surge in new residential, commercial and industrial development in the community.

“My time in Newton has been filled with amazing people and meaningful projects,” McElroy said. “I will miss working with our amazing team and community leaders. Although I am sad to be leaving Newton, the community is in a very good position to continue to grow while preserving our unique culture, history, and heritage.”

“Kelly has provided dedicated leadership and service to the Newton community over the past seven years,” Mayor Leroy Koehn said. “She’s worked hard to ensure we are on a positive path and that the community is thriving. She has made a real difference here, and we are proud of what has been accomplished during her tenure.”

In the coming weeks, the City Commission will determine next steps for the selection of the new city manager.

“I cannot say enough about Kelly’s professionalism and leadership,” said Vice Mayor Rod Kreie. “The City is in excellent condition and growing; the staff is prepared to continue to meet the challenges that are ahead of us. The Commission will move quickly to determine the process for selecting our next city manager. We will be seeking a strong administrator who is qualified to handle a variety of growth opportunities. Our ideal candidate will also have experience in managing thriving municipal departments in a full-service City and be willing to manage our exciting upcoming projects.”

McElroy is a native Kansan, with more than 20 years of public service in the municipal government and nonprofit arenas. She has lived and worked in multiple states over the years. Before Newton, she served with the City of Goddard, the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, the Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP), and the City of Edmond, Oklahoma. She serves on multiple national, state, and local boards and commissions; holds a Master of Public Administration with emphasis on economic development; a Bachelor of Political Science; and is a Certified Public Manager (CPM).