City Administrator

The role of the City Administrator is to ensure the implementation of the policy direction set by the City Council. Additionally, they work to provide efficient and cost-effective delivery of public services for the City. The Mayor and City Council appoint the City Administrator. They work to direct the Administration of Columbus under their direction and vision for the City. The Administrator is responsible for providing organizational leadership and helping to achieve the strategic goals set by the City Council. Additionally, they direct the delivery of municipal services and contribute expert advice on City operations. They also plan, organize, and direct the activities of all municipal operations.

Jake Letner came to Columbus in 2020 as the Community Development Coordinator. In addition to his duties with the City, he serves on several boards and associations, including the Cherokee County Economic Development Corporation, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), the Partnership for All Cherokee County Children, and the Cherokee County Emergency Planning Committee.

Letner has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pittsburg State University. He is currently enrolled in the Certified Public Manager program through the University of Kansas’ Public Management Center. Letner is proud to be a southeast Kansas native.