WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- Alan Stager has been appointed as the new City Manager for Watertown, following a unanimous vote by the City Council. Stager, who brings over two decades of executive leadership experience, will officially begin his role on Tuesday.

The announcement concludes a months-long nationwide search to find a successor for the previous City Manager, who resigned seven months ago. Mayor Ried Holien emphasized the rigorous selection process at tonight’s council meeting, which began with the hiring of the Robert Half Group, a firm out of the Twin Cities, to identify potential candidates.

Mayor Holien formed a Succession Planning Committee comprising respected local business leaders: Robb Peterson, Joy Nelson, Scott Munger, Liam Culhane, Chris Carter, and Amber Dahl, with Councilman Kyle Peters serving as the liaison. This committee reviewed 250 applications, narrowing the field to 90, and ultimately presenting five finalists to the City Council. Of those five, the Council interviewed three candidates.

Mayor Holien also acknowledged the Midterm Review Committee, comprising Kyle Lalim, Steve Thorson, Elicia Holien, Dan Gabriel, Nathan Graf, and Jan Deberg, for their candid feedback, which helped the Council refine its vision for the city manager role.

The Council sought a candidate with a “CEO mindset”—someone capable of managing a large organization.

Stager’s most recent role was General Manager of Dakota Bodies, and prior to that, he spent 19 years at Terex Corporation. Mayor Holien highlighted Stager’s experience.

Despite opportunities to leave Watertown for promotions, Stager and his family chose to remain in the city.

Stager’s involvement in Watertown continues as Vice Chairman of the Watertown Development Company, participant in the H2O-20 Strategy Implementation Committee, and leader at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.

Upon his appointment, Stager expressed his gratitude to the Council and the community.

He also recognized the dedicated work of the city’s 242 permanent staff members.

Councilman Tupper commended the city staff and Interim City Manager/Chief Financial Officer Kristen BobZien for their performance during the seven-month interim period. Councilman Buhler echoed the sentiments, welcoming Stager aboard and expressing confidence in the Council’s decision.

As City Manager, Stager will serve as the chief administrative officer for Watertown, overseeing daily operations, managing all city departments, preparing the annual budget, and advising the City Council on all city affairs. His hiring marks a new chapter for Watertown’s city government, with an emphasis on strong leadership, community commitment, and continuous improvement.

Contract details for Stager’s role indicate a starting annual salary of $183,830.40, with benefits commencing July 1, 2025. His employment includes a six-month probationary period, and his performance will be reviewed initially by December 31, 2025, and annually thereafter, with potential compensation increases tied to these evaluations. The position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week, including attendance at evening and occasional weekend meetings.