Salina has appointed Jacob Wood as its next city manager, selecting a longtime municipal administrator with deep family and professional ties to the community.
Mr. Wood grew up in Bennington, Kan., while his wife was raised in Salina. Their four children now attend the same grade school she once did, and the family lives in her childhood neighborhood.
“I am honored to be selected to serve as the next City Manager,” Mr. Wood said. “It may not be common for a City Manager to come from the very community they serve, but my deep roots in Salina give me a unique perspective and an even stronger commitment to its success.”
Mr. Wood began his career in local government as an intern with the City of Salina, an experience he said confirmed his interest in public service and city management. Soon afterward, he deployed to Afghanistan with his Army Reserve unit. When he returned, he was hired as manager of the Bicentennial Center, now the Tony’s Pizza Events Center.
His career later took him to western Kansas, first as city administrator in Oakley and then as assistant city manager in Hays. When Salina opened a deputy city manager position in 2019, Mr. Wood returned to the city, where he has served nearly six years. He was appointed interim city manager seven months ago.
“The City of Salina is a remarkable organization, and this community is truly a special place,” he said. “Over the past six years, I have witnessed tremendous progress, and I feel fortunate to continue serving both the organization and the people of Salina in this new role.”
The city manager oversees day-to-day operations, while policy is set by the five-member City Commission. Mr. Wood said he expects to spend the next several months working with commissioners to identify goals and objectives. “Once that process has taken place, I will work to position the organization to achieve those goals,” he said.
“My focus as a local government manager has always been centered around strong commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ethical governance,” he added. “I believe in building trust by engaging openly, fostering a culture of teamwork, and leading with purpose.”
Mr. Wood said he takes particular pride in serving in his hometown. “I am proud to be raising my four children in Salina, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in my hometown,” he said. “I firmly believe Salina’s best days are ahead, and I feel truly fortunate to play a role in shaping that future.”
