Tony Robyn named Joplin assistant city manager

(From the City of Joplin)

Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards is pleased to announce that Tony Robyn has accepted the position of Assistant City Manager. 

Robyn worked at the City from 2012 to 2017, and was promoted from the Disaster Recovery Coordinator to the Assistant Director of Development, Planning and Neighborhood Services. 

He returns to the City following other leadership positions in Joplin including his current position of Executive Director of MOKAN Economic Partnership. In this role, he managed and directed collaboration among communities, industries, businesses, and leaders within a seven-county region.

Edwards noted Robyn’s experience in multiple organizations as an asset to the City. “Generally, every discussion about moving the City forward has touched on the need for capacity, additional staffing, and responding to current challenges in the community. 

During the interview process, Tony was seen as the candidate that can best help the City proactively respond to the challenges and improve service to the community. His previous experience with the City, most notably the tornado recovery assignments, and his work with economic development projects will help ensure we can take advantage of the many opportunities that I believe are headed our way.”

Robyn moved to Joplin in 2002 with the National Audubon Society and worked with community advocates and leaders to build the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center in Joplin. 

During his work with this environmental asset, he was promoted twice within the Audubon Society and served as Vice President and Regional Director when he left and joined he City for his recovery role. Prior to Joplin’s positions, he worked in the Parks and Recreation Department in Kansas City, Mo., where he served in management positions in botanical, zoological, and environmental areas within the organization.

 

“This is a huge honor to continue to serve Joplin in this new capacity,” said Robyn. “While still working alongside colleagues and our community partners, I’m excited to be rejoining the city team and in continuing the growth of our community we've called home for over 20 years.”

Robyn is a Certified Economic Developer and serves on several boards and commissions. He is Vice President of Joplin Industrial Development Authority, Board Chair of Joplin Workshops, Inc., and a member of Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, Missouri Economic Development Council, and Hawthorne Foundation.

Robyn will begin working with the City on Monday, July 18. He and his wife have one daughter and reside in Joplin.