Roosevelt Assistant City Manager and Finance Director John Zilles announced on Monday, Oct. 28, that he will resign from his position effective Nov. 16.
Zilles has served as the Assistant City Manager and Finance Director since 2015. In that time, Roosevelt City has experienced unprecedented progress.
“This is a decision that has come as a matter of prayer for quite some time. [It] comes after about 4 ½ years of a lot of hard work and dedication to help this city make immense improvements,” wrote Zilles in his letter of resignation. “We have been able to seek out, as well as capitalize on, tremendous opportunities to help the city become what it is today, while simultaneously working through a downturn in the economy. Some may find it hard to believe our current financial condition after working through a cycle of the economy where we witnessed a decline in sales tax of around 30 percent at one point. It was anything but an easy endeavor, but character and capacity are found in their clearest forms in the most severe of trials.”
Zilles expressed his appreciation for city staff and others who have supported the city over the last five years.
“Roosevelt City employs some highly talented and quality staff, and I will always be thankful for the friendships and associations I have made while working with them. I will miss associating with them on a daily basis,” wrote Zilles. “I have also been blessed to become acquainted with some tremendous folks who have and do serve on the City Council. I care very deeply about the wellbeing of the members of this community and those I have been able to work with while doing so.”
The support of his family has also been an essential piece of Zilles’ success.
“I wish to give special admiration and acknowledgement to my wife Nicole who has been by my side through all the successes and difficult times,” said Zilles. “She has been an angel who has supported me through thick and thin.”
Zilles will remain in his position until mid-November, then plans to pursue other opportunities.
Roosevelt City wishes to express gratitude for John Zilles’ expert financial guidance and dedication to consistently improving the quality of life for Roosevelt City residents. Every measurable aspect of life in Roosevelt City has improved during his time on the staff, thanks in large part to his leadership and expertise. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him luck in his next endeavor.