The City of Indianola has announced the selection of Wade Wagoner as its new deputy city manager-chief of development and operations. He succeeds Charlie Dissell, who left Indianola in July to become an assistant city manager for the City of Independence, Missouri.

Wagoner's first day in Indianola is December 12, as approved by the Indianola City Council during its regular meeting on Monday, November 18.

"I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the deputy city manager-chief of development and operations for Indianola," Wagoner said. "I'm looking forward to contributing to Indianola's continued growth and development in a way that ensures charming, new developments that builds on the community's pride and unique sense of place. With a collaborative and forward-thinking approach, I am eager to help shape the future of Indianola, ensuring it remains a great place to live, work and thrive."

Twenty-one individuals submitted applications for the position. Five candidates received first-round interviews, and two received second-round interviews.

With 26 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Wagoner has held roles as a planner, community development director, economic development director and city manager. Since 2019, Wagoner has served as the city administrator for the City of Colfax, Iowa, where he led revitalization efforts as a Main Street Iowa community.

Notable accomplishments during Wagoner's five-year stint with the City of Colfax include:

• Relocating and renovating Colfax City Hall. In 2022, this effort was named the best building rehabilitation project in communities under 5,000 by Main Street Iowa. It also received the Small Adaptive Reuse Award from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and Preservation Iowa in 2023.
• Authoring multiple grants that secured hundreds of thousands of dollars across community betterment initiatives. Wagoner helped secure a $400,000 award through Destination Iowa for the development of an RV campground, as well as $100,000 Catalyst Grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority to bring Fareway in as an anchor to the historic downtown district, among other grant opportunities.
• Leading rebranding initiatives and the development of a new logo, seal, flag, website and Facebook page for the City of Colfax.

Prior to the City of Colfax, Wagoner has worked for the City of Norwalk, Iowa, the City of Lake Park, Iowa, the City of Kearney, Missouri and the City of Waterloo, Iowa.

The deputy city manager-chief of development and operations for the City of Indianola is a senior executive-level position that provides oversight of the Community Development Department and Public Works Departments. It also performs the duties of the city manager in the event of an absence.

With five newly proposed commercial and residential developments adding over 500 new homes in the community, in addition to existing residential developments, the City of Indianola has entered a period of significant growth. Indianola City Manager Ben Reeves praised Wagoner's extensive background and skillset desired for this role.

"We are thrilled to have Wade Wagoner join our team, where his experience in city management, community development and grant writing will be invaluable as Indianola continues to progress and prosper," Reeves said. "He will be an amazing and much-needed addition to our staff and for our elected officials, helping to advance the City's priorities and ensuring that growth is supported in a unified, well-coordinated manner. Likewise, Wade will be a vital asset to Indianola collectively, engaging with various community partners to foster alignment and collaboration through our next steps as a city.

"His proven track record of securing funding and driving transformative projects will position Indianola for success."

Wagoner and Reeves will work closely together before Reeves' departure on December 27, as Reeves will become the city manager for the City of Eagle Mountain, Utah. At that time, Wagoner will assume the role of interim city manager while the recruitment process continues for Indianola's next city manager.

More details about the recruitment process and timeline of next steps for the vacant city manager position will be released in the future.

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