The City Of Platteville Has Received A Letter Of Resignation From City Manager, Adam Ruechel

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Barb  Daus, Common Council President
barbaradaus@platteville.org/608.348.3365

It’s a Bittersweet Day

On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, the Common Council of the City of Platteville received a letter of resignation from City Manager, Adam Ruechel.  Ruechel has accepted the position of Public Finance Specialist with Robert W. Baird & Co, an employee-owned wealth management, capital markets, asset management and private equity firm.

In his letter to the Council and City Staff Ruechel noted, “The emotions I feel in tendering this resignation are beyond what I can put into words.  This decision…has been the most difficult determination I have ever had to make. The City of Platteville has allowed me the opportunity to live out a lifelong dream of being the chief administrative officer for the greatest municipality. This community took a chance on a relatively unknown individual to become their next City Manager and I will never forget the kindness and assistance I was given by the staff, common council, and community in tackling this role.  I can truly say without hesitation being the City Manager of Platteville has been nothing short of amazing and a true check off my bucket list.”

Ruechel noted that he was not looking for employment elsewhere but was sought out by Baird.  The opportunity for personal career advancement as well as the prospect of moving back closer to the area where he and his wife have family were factors he could not ignore.

Ruechel began his career as the Platteville City Manager in January of 2020.  Most assuredly the Covid-19 pandemic was a situation that no one could predict.  Without the advantage of well developed relationships in the community and with city staff and the council, Ruechel provided collaborative leadership that resulted in continued advancement for Platteville.  A look back at the advances in Platteville during his 3-year tenure is evidence of his selfless style and his ability to energize and engage others.  Examples include but are not limited to: Comprehensive Fire Department Analysis, federal appropriation to support construction of the fire station, and implementation of a process to result in a new station by the end of 2024; implementation of a 5-year Capital Improvement Planning process as well as the development of a long-range staffing plan; support of public/private partnerships to result in an inclusive playground and an 8 court pickleball complex in our parks; successful recruitment of an additional broadband provider; development and implementation (with city staff and Platteville Economic Partners) of a number of community promotional initiatives including the Platteville Pickaxe and Living Local and Loving It video series and the ‘return’ of Taste of Platteville.

In the closing remarks of his resignation Ruechel said, “It all starts with the people.  I am so proud of our Platteville staff and volunteers, every single one.  The staff and my experience with the common council are what made this decision so difficult.  Managing the desires for growth of this community from a service demand standpoint is a tall order, and this staff does so, ever so professionally and every single day, without fail.”

Ruechel’s resignation as full-time manager is effective January 13, 2023.  In accepting his resignation, the Common Council expressed sincere gratitude to Adam for the advancements he has brought to the City noting that he fulfilled his goal of ensuring that the City would be in a better place at his leaving than when his work commenced.  The Council will be contracting with a professional recruitment firm as it seeks to fill this important leadership role.