Rock Island swears in a new city manager

The Rock Island City Council formally welcomed new City Manager Todd Thompson to the community at its Monday, May 23, meeting.

The former Galesburg, Illinois, city manager, who had led that city since January 2011, was sworn in by Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms. 

“We are excited to welcome Todd Thompson to the Rock Island community,” Mr. Thoms said in  a news release. “His experience and expertise will help move the City of Rock Island forward.” 

Mr. Thompson added, “I am honored to serve the City of Rock Island as its city manager. Rock Island is a fantastic community and I am eager to work closely with the mayor, city council, staff, residents, and businesses to address the council’s goals and priorities, and achieve results for the community.”

Mr. Thompson, who was hired on  Monday, March 14, took over city manager duties for John Gripp, who also is Rock Island’s executive director of parks and recreation. Mr. Gripp has also served as interim city manager since Randy Tweet retired as city manager in December 2021.

Mr. Thompson, who also had been a finalist for the Scott County administrator post in 2016, was chosen to lead Rock Island from a trio of finalists culled from a pool of 36  experienced and talented candidates presented by GovHR USA of Northbrook, Illinois, the city’s news release said.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Masters of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He has experience with economic development and budget and financing, as well as more than 20 years as a senior-level manager. 

According to his LinkedIn biography, Mr. Thompson has been in public administration since serving as an administrative intern for the City of Collinsville, Illinois, in 1994. Prior to his stint in Galesburg, he was city manager for the City of Mexico, Missouri. 

Other previous stops included assistant city administrator for Raymore, Missouri; management assistant in public works for Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and administrative assistant to the city administrator for Smithville, Missouri.

Mr. Thompson is a U.S. Navy veteran and an Illinois native. 

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