By Eileen Persike, editor

Rhinelander City Administrator Zach Vruwink has tendered his resignation. His departure was announced after the closed session following the Monday city council meeting.

Vruwink will stay on as administrator until Oct. 7. He has accepted a position as Deputy Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.

“I plan to remain connected to Rhinelander and stay involved where I can,” Vruwink said, adding, “I am thrilled to continue my professional work with Wisconsin’s cities and villages.”

Vruwink joined the city’s administration May 1, 2020.

“I am proud of the many operational improvements, planning efforts, grant writing, street and capital improvement projects, team and community relation activities and economic growth projects,” he stated. “There is tremendous positive momentum occurring and I am particularly proud to have been a part of a management team who all have the city’s challenges and opportunities in mind.”

Before he leaves, Vruwink noted he wishes to complete time-sensitive tasks and administer and complete the 2023 city budget and other open initiatives and outstanding agreements.

Vruwink is the city’s sixth administrator since 2015. But Rhinelander Mayor Kris Hanus told WXPR he believes the city is in a better place than in the past.

“The last couple city administrators we had to hire, we were in a position where they were removed or they got fired,” he said. “We are now in position where the city administrator is leaving on his own accord for a good position, so the city is a lot more attractive to potential replacements.”

Hanus, Vruwink and the city’s human resources department will recruit candidates for the open position. The Rhinelander City Council will then vote on the final candidates.

Hanus and Vruwink said they hope to find a new administrator before the end of the year.