Hastings names new assistant city administrator

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The City of Hastings has selected Mark Funkey as Assistant City Administrator.

City Administrator Shawn Metcalf said this a very important position for him and for the city.

“It was imperative to find someone who had the right knowledge, skills, and abilities; someone who exhibited servant leadership, authenticity, transparency, and integrity,” said Metcalf. “Last but not least, we needed a great communicator who could garner the trust of our City Council, department heads, businesses, community partners, staff, and residents. Mark checked all the boxes.”

Funkey comes to Hastings from Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia where he has served as Vice President of Workforce Services since January 2023.

Prior to that, he called central Nebraska home. From January 2008 until January 2023, Funkey worked at Central Community College. He served Associate Dean of Instruction for the Grand Island and Hastings campuses from April 2021 to January 2023.

“I am grateful to be considered and very honored to be selected as the Assistant City Administrator,” Funkey said. “The process has been wonderful, and I felt so comfortable due to the energy invested by the committee and city staff and administration.”

Funkey was one of 38 applicants for the position. Four finalists were interviewed on Friday, Nov. 17 by a panel that included:

Kim Jacobitz, City Clerk
Butch Eley, Hastings City Council Vice President
Lori Hartman, City of Hastings Human Resources Director
Derek Zeisler, Director of Energy Production and Supply for Hastings Utilities
Shannon Landauer, Executive Director for Hastings Economic Development Corp. and Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce
Becky Sullivan, Community member and representative of Mary Lanning Healthcare

“At a recent council meeting I made a recommendation to change city code that would allow the Mayor and City Council the ability to hire and fire the position similar to other department head positions,” Metcalf said. “It was important to me that they had the opportunity to choose if they wanted that authority. After much discussion, the Council denied the motion, and explained that it would be better to give me the hiring/firing authority for this position.

“Having worked in human resources for much of my career, I can attest that a fair and equitable hiring process was conducted for this position. Each candidate received an initial ranking from Human Resources based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform key job functions. The top ranking candidates were invited to interview with the panel. In addition, Chad Bunger, Development Services Director, and Tony Herrman, Public Information Manager, took candidates on a tour of the city and indicated Mark was also their top choice. Reference checks were subsequently performed.”

At both community colleges, Funkey has had management oversight and responsibility for several unique departments, budget, planning, entry, and fiscal oversight, and strategic planning at the program and division levels.

As Assistant City Administrator, Funkey will have oversight of multiple city departments.

“I am very excited to get started and I hope to be able to work with the rest of the city administration team to learn more about the needs of the community and how I can help,” Funkey said. “I plan to hit the ground running and to get busy supporting my peers and team to move forward smoothly.”

He will start in February.

Funkey has a background with the City of Hastings, having served as a member of the Hastings Museum Foundation Board as well as Hastings Museum Board. He also served as Hastings Museum Board President.

Funkey has extensive community involvement in the Hastings-area community. Among his other professional involvements include serving as Board Chair for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Board Chair for the United Way of South Central Nebraska, both in 2021.

Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.