A longtime Watertown resident is set to be the community’s next city manager.

Alan Stager is taking over the position following a nationwide search, according to a statement from the city

"Alan is exactly what we were looking for in our next City Manager," said Waterton Mayor Ried Holien. "We wanted a candidate with a proven track record of managing large organizations and the ability to lead a large team working toward a common goal. Alan has successfully managed thousands of employees and implemented billion-dollar budgets. He is the perfect choice because he possesses private sector expertise combined with the heart of a public servant."

Stager first moved to Watertown in 2002 to take a job with Terex. Since then, he’s worked in a number of executive leadership roles, most recently as general manager of Dakota Bodies.

“I am honored to serve as the next City Manager for the City of Watertown,” said Stager. “My family chose Watertown as our home over 20 years ago, and we’ve never looked back. This isn’t a stepping stone for me — it’s a capstone. I’m here to invest fully in the people, progress, and potential of this community.”

In Watertown city government, the city manager oversees daily operations, manages all city departments, prepares the annual budget, and advises the city council.

Former city manager Amanda Mack resigned in January to take a position with the city of Harrisburg.