North Manchester Names Adam Penrod As New Town Manager
Posted
Staff Report-
NORTH?MANCHESTER – North Manchester Town Council appointed Adam Penrod as town manager at its regular meeting Wednesday in a unanimous vote. The council accepted the recommendation of a committee composed of Jim Smith, council president, Tom Dale, council member; and Carrie Mugford, clerk-treasurer and interim town manager. The committee accepted and reviewed applications for the position and then interviewed candidates. "Adam came to the top almost immediately," stated Smith. "He was one of four that we’ve interviewed and then became one of two finalists." Penrod has worked for the town for 13 years, starting as a maintenance and facilities operator for the wastewater plant in 2003. From 2007-14, he was the superintendent of the wastewater plant, then was promoted to utilities superintendent, directing both the wastewater and water departments, in 2014. He is a native of North Manchester, graduating from Manchester High School in 1998, and Purdue University in 2002. Penrod has also taken additional training at IVY Tech and completed the Wabash County Leadership Class in 2012. Penrod said he feels that North Manchester is recognized as "a great place to live, visit, and work. The town needs to maintain the culture it has created and keep a strong foundation." He stated that he has seen a lot of forward movement in recent years, noting the purchase of acreage for a housing development, the canoe launch project, improvements to downtown, the just-completed comprehensive plan, and other amenities that will attract new residents and serve current citizens well. Smith further stated that "Adam's awareness of our structure, our current projects, and our employees will facilitate a smooth transition." Penrod and his wife, Emily, are the parents of two children who attend Manchester Elementary School and have recently built a home in the community. A community-wide reception for Penrod will be held prior to the council's next meeting Oct. 7. Plans for that event are being finalized and will be announced.
