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The City of Hazelwood has announced the hiring of Matthew Zimmerman as City Manager. Zimmerman is expected to start work in Hazelwood on Oct. 30. Former City Manager Ed Carlstrom recently retired.

“The city council has done a terrific job throughout this search process and has chosen a candidate who has the right qualifications and experience to be our next city manager,” said Mayor Matthew Robinson.

Zimmerman has more than 30 years of local government experience. Most recently, he served in Emporia, Kansas, where he has been City Manager since 2007. Prior to his current position, he spent four years as City Administrator in Prospect Heights, Il.

Zimmerman has experience in economic development, finance and public works. As City Manager in Emporia, Zimmerman is responsible for supervising the operations of a full-service city with more than 200 full-time employees and managing a budget of approximately $44 million. During his tenure, he has helped improve the city’s financial outlook, guided the city through its response to facility closures by major manufacturers and created strategies that attracted new business and jobs.

Zimmerman holds a M.A. in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and a B.S. from Quincy College.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Hazelwood’s elected officials and staff to maintain and improve local services for our citizens,” said Zimmerman. Hazelwood has tremendous potential to increase its economic development assets and I believe my past experience will help the city realize the benefits of Hazelwood’s great location and economic base. My wife and I are very excited about joining the Hazelwood community. It’s already clear to us that Hazelwood is a great place to live and work.”