TOM COLE MOST RECENTLY WORKED FOR LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
Platte City’s new city administrator will be arriving after a stint at Leavenworth County, Kan.
Five of six members of the Platte City Board of Aldermen approved the contract for Thomas (Tom) Cole as the new city administrator at a special meeting held July 16. Alderman Vickie Atkins was unavailable for the meeting.
Cole has most recently served as economic development administrator for Leavenworth County. Cole is a former city manager at the City of Raytown. He will officially begin his duties for Platte City on Aug. 1.
DJ Gehrt, interim city administrator, is expected to stay on board with the city for a few weeks as the transition takes place.
Cole’s starting annual salary will be $140,000. Cole’s LinkedIn page says his service “as city administrator, economic development administrator, community development director, public information officer, vice president of asset management, executive director, regional director and vice president of business development for some of the region’s most successful organizations has yielded the creation and retention of over 15,000 jobs, $1 billion of new capital investment and over $300 million of private construction procurement.”
This decision comes following Mayor Steve Hoeger’s recommendation and a comprehensive search that began in April to find a replacement for Gehrt, the interim city administrator.
The city had commenced the search for a new city administrator after the firing of former City Administrator Marji Gehr in February.
DJ Gehrt, who had previously retired from the city effective July 1 of 2023, “graciously returned to serve as the interim city administrator starting April 1 and will remain in this role during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover,” Hoeger said.
Hoeger said Cole has over 20 years of experience in public administration. Cole holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in science from Northwest Missouri State University.
“Throughout his career, Cole has been instrumental in driving economic development, enhancing public services, and fostering community engagement. His strategic vision and leadership have led to significant improvements in infrastructure, fiscal management, and intergovernmental relations,” Hoeger said in a news release last week.
Hoeger said Cole’s commitment to transparency and efficiency aligns perfectly with Platte City’s goals for growth and community development.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tom Cole to our team,” said Hoeger. “His extensive experience and dedication to public service will be invaluable as we continue to build a prosperous future for Platte City. I am confident that under his leadership, our city will thrive.”
