Galesburg's new city manager has plenty of local ties
The City of Galesburg will soon have a new city manager.
City council selected Eric Hanson to fill the void after a nationwide recruitment campaign which was led by GovHR.
Hanson has serves as the assistant city manager in the town of Normal since 2019. Hanson is a native of west-central Illinois and got a degree from Monmouth College.
Hanson has previously been a city manager in Ballwin, Missouri, Indianola, Iowa and Monmouth.
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During his tenure in city administration, Hanson has worked on over $1.25 billion in economic development projects and over $100 million in capital improvement initiatives for the four cities he has served. The city of Galesburg said Hanson has garnered experience in all facets of public management required to successfully manage the operations of the city of Galesburg.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Hanson assume the top leadership role for the City of Galesburg,” said Mayor Schwartzman. “His track record of credible, proficient, and supportive leadership, illustrates a leadership style and level of expertise that will benefit our community, city council, and city staff.”
Hanson has been awarded the Distinguished Young Alumnus by his alma mater Monmouth College in 2009, and a Quad Cities Leader Under 40 recipient in 2004.
“I am honored to have been offered this tremendous opportunity,” said Hanson. “My family and I are thrilled to return home to Galesburg, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the city council, city staff, and citizens of Galesburg to move the community forward.”
Hanson will fill the void after the city cut ties with Gerald Smith in June after less than a year in the position. Former Police Chief John Schlaf was appointed as interim city manager in September.
Hanson and his wife Tara, a native of Monmouth and fellow Monmouth College Alum, have two children, Paige 20, and Ean 16.
Hanson's employment agreement will be included on the Oct. 2 city council agenda and will take office in December.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Galesburg names Eric Hanson new city manager
