Developer appointed as assistant manager
Managing editor
Marion City Administrator David Mayfield revealed Tuesday morning that he will retire at the end of the year.
Following two, five-minute executive sessions Monday evening, the city council appointed Marion Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin as assistant city administrator.
When Mayfield was asked Tuesday morning about the new position and whether it was permanent, he responded it was temporary and announced his decision.
“It’s time for me to retire,” he said.
Mayfield was appointed as city administrator nine years ago after Dennis Nichols resigned. At the time of Mayfield’s appointment, he had served as Marion police chief for three years.
Kjellin will spend the next month training with Mayfield to fill in until the council decides who will be the next administrator.
Kjellin was hired by the city in July 2008 as director of development. He has a degree in business administration and a minor in economics from Wichita State University.
The council will make a decision in the coming weeks whether to seek applications for the position or to permanently hire Kjellin.
“Regardless of what the council decides, it will take time to hire a replacement,” Mayfield said.
With Kjellin in training, there won’t be a gap of management leadership.
If Kjellin is appointed as administrator, he said he has some ideas for the city’s future.
“The city is in a good financial position,” Mayfield said. “I know the city will be in good hands with Doug.”