Glenwood Hires New City Administrator / Finance Director
Courtney Harter
Glenwood has found its new City Administrator / Finance Director.
Courtney Harter, former Community Development Director for the City of Council Bluffs, was formally selected for the position during a special meeting of the Glenwood City Council Tuesday evening.
Glenwood Mayor Angie Winquist said Harter brings vast experience to the job.
“She was a housing and economic development manager and community project manager (for the City of Council Bluffs),” said Winquist. “Before that, she was with SWIPCO (Southwest Iowa Planning Council) as their community development director. She’s got some good experience with capital projects and public investment. In finance and public compliance, she oversaw like a $6.5 million departmental budget and worked through federal and state funding streams.”
Harter’s first day of employment with the city will be June 11. The following week, she’ll take part in some finance director training offered through the Iowa League of Cities.
In an interview with The Opinion-Tribune Wednesday morning, Harter said she’s “excited” to begin her new job in Glenwood.
“When I was looking at communities to work in, some of the things that Glenwood is doing are really interesting projects,” said Harter. “Glenwood really has some new things happening that I’m excited to be a part of.
“I also think it’s a great opportunity to expand my own skill set and just be able to make an impact. That’s something that’s incredibly important to me and hopeful that I can do in Glenwood.”
Harter said she has some familiarity with Glenwood but is looking forward to learning more about the community. Initially, Harter said, she will not be moving to Glenwood.
“I think it’s something the mayor and I talked about evaluating. I do live in Council Bluffs right now, but I just think it’s something we’re going to play by ear and see how things go,” she said.
Harter is replacing Mitch Kolf, who left the Glenwood City Administrator / Fianance Director position in May for a new job in Kansas City. Al Vacanti, an Omaha-based consultant, has been working on a part-time basis as an interim City Administrator / Finance Director since early May. Winquist said Vacanti will likley spend some time working with Harter during the initial transition period. Harter’s starting salary will be $130,000 with a performance review planned after six months, Winquist said. Harter was one of three finalists interviewed for the position.