Peterson
Webster Groves Assistant City Manager and Director of Finance Eric Peterson will resign on Nov. 1 after nearly three and a half years in the role.
Citing a desire to spend time with family, Peterson, a Wisconsin native, told the Times on Monday that he’s looking forward to taking some time off and “slowing things down” at this stage in his life.
“My time in Webster Groves was not the experience I thought it was going to be — it has been better,” Peterson said. “It’s an amazing community to work in and with.”
Peterson joined the city in May 2021 in a role that oversees the city’s financial operations, information technology, and public affairs and engagement offices. His starting salary was $125,000 annually. He currently makes roughly $146,000 per year.
City Manager Marie Peoples, who appointed Peterson to the post just three months after she was hired, stated in an Oct. 7 press release that she and Peterson “have been in long conversation about how to smooth this transition as much as possible.”
Peoples and Peterson, colleagues in their previous government roles in Coconino County in Arizona, have been discussing Peterson’s departure and subsequent transition since at least early September.
The search for his replacement is not yet officially underway, but the recruitment process, including a review of the job description and responsibilities, has started. Peterson said a job requisition could be out as soon as this week and that there are no planned changes to the position or title.
Should a replacement not be in place by his departure on Nov. 1, the appropriate controls are in place among existing staff for any necessary business-related decisions or approvals, he said.
Peterson’s departure is the latest in recent leadership turnover within the city. The Webster Groves City Council in June 2024 held a special meeting, the majority of which was closed to the public, to discuss personnel matters.
In the past 10 months, the city has lost six other top officials to retirement or resignations within its police, public affairs and engagement, planning and public works departments.
Peterson Will Serve In Limited Capacity To Ease Transition
Peterson, credited by city officials as instrumental in improving the city’s fiscal health, has agreed to remain available after Nov. 1 to help with any remaining transition details.
Among his other responsibilities, Peterson is the staff liaison for the city’s Business Development Commission and its three business districts. That role will now be assumed by Renee Tyler, who was hired as deputy city manager of community vitality in May 2024.
Peterson also serves as staff liaison for the city’s Arts Commission and will remain in the role until Nov. 1 when a new or interim liaison will be appointed.
“I appreciate his willingness to serve in a limited capacity after his departure if needed, to help assure continuity to our city’s work,” City Manager Peoples said, noting crucial upcoming work on bond sales and continued work on the city’s strategic plan implementation.
“Mr. Peterson stepped into the organization when there was budgetary uncertainty and helped design a path forward, one that has proven to place the city in a strong financial position,” she said. “His contributions have made a significant impact on our projects and team.”
Peterson served as public affairs director in Coconino County before applying for the newly-created role of director of public affairs and engagement for Webster Groves. That position went to Jennifer Starkey, who resigned from the city earlier this year. Peoples then appointed Peterson as the new assistant city manager and director of finance and administration following the sudden resignation of longtime employee Joan Jadali.
Some questioned Peterson’s qualifications to handle the city’s multi-million dollar budget, given his background was largely in public affairs. While Peterson met the requirements under Webster’s charter, he did not meet standards previously required of those holding the office.
While some questioned his credentials for the job, city officials have been supportive throughout his tenure. Webster Groves Mayor Laura Arnold said the city has been fortunate to have Peterson’s service.
“He has been vitally important to transforming our budget planning for the future, strengthening our focus on economic development and improving our technology,” Arnold stated in a city press release. “He is a rare intellect that can see both the big picture and minute details while communicating effectively about both. While this is a great loss for the city, the entire city council and I wish him well.”
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