Pekarek promoted to assistant city manager, will remain Joplin Health Department director

(From the City of Joplin)

City Manager Nick Edwards is pleased to announce that Dan Pekarek has accepted the position of Assistant City Manager. Pekarek has been with the City for 34 years, serving as the Public Health Director for the past 25 years. He served as Interim City Manager starting in March 2019 through March 2020, when Edwards joined the City of Joplin.

“Dan is a great leader for the organization,” said Edwards. “He brings many strong skills to this role. His high standard for work product has been evident during his career at the City, and especially throughout the recent coronavirus pandemic.

" Dan is pragmatic, while embracing and supporting improvement for our community. His leadership as Interim City Manager demonstrated his genuine care for the employees as well as our citizens. As an organization, we are strengthened to have Dan step into this position, and I am excited to have him alongside as we work toward building Joplin’s future together.”

Along with his new duties, Pekarek will remain as the Health Department Director until a successor is identified. As ACM, his responsibilities will include direct supervision of several departments including Public Works and Central Garage; Planning, Development and Neighborhood Services; Parks and Recreation, Health Department, and Municipal Court. 

He will also assist in the oversight of all departments and work closely with City Manager Edwards to keep him apprised of ongoing projects, financial status, employee relation issues and other progress relating to legislation, economic development, City operations and governmental activities.

Pekarek currently serves as chairman of several health-related boards in the community, including Jasper and Newton Counties Community Health Collaborative and Jasper and Newton Counties Emergency Healthcare Coalition. He also is a member of the One Joplin Steering team and One Joplin Health Team.