Jensen resigns, heading for Missouri

WAUPACA – Aaron Jensen, Waupaca’s city administrator, turned in his letter of resignation on March 18. It was addressed to Mayor Brian Smith and the city council. He said he wrote it with mixed emotions and explained the situation: his wife Jessie is getting close to getting her PhD and becoming a neuropsychologist. It’s a highly competitive field and she’s been commuting to Milwaukee twice a week. She recently matched with an internship at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
“Given the likelihood that her school requirements will keep her there for 3 years, we have made the decision to move our family to Columbia. There are few things that could compel me to leave my current role, surrounded by such an excellent team of staff and elected officials, and one is commitment to family,” wrote Jensen.
He thanked Mayor Smith and the city council and complimented city staffers. “It has been an honor to work alongside such talented professionals who are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to their community,” he wrote. Jensen noted he will continue to work in the coming months to make a smooth transition. He said serving as the city’s administrator was “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
A day later, Mayor Brian Smith announced the city contracted with Innovative Public Advisors from West Bend to find Jensen’s replacement. They specialize in government executive searches.