Biri, pronounced “Bee-Dee,” joins the city staff after previously serving the City of Wasco, California, where she began in the Community Development as a Planner before being promoted to Public Works Director.

“I am very pleased and excited Biri has joined our team in Webster City. She is a very bright and devoted community oriented public servant with a unique professional and personal background that will be a tremendous asset to the community,” said Ortiz-Hernandez.

The city manager said that Webster City would be navigating some significant succession planning questions and issues over the next several years. The city has over 77 regular employees, not including volunteer firefighters or seasonal staff. Of the 77 regular employees, approximately 26 percent are eligible for retirement over the next 8 years. This includes 11 director or supervisor level positions.

“While I do not expect or hope that those eligible directors and supervisors to retire tomorrow or even next year, the reality I must confront as the city manager is that those 11 directors and supervisors eligible for retirement over the next several years are critical positions who account for over 347 years’ worth of experience and institutional knowledge with the City of Webster City,” Ortiz-Hernandez said. “This is very daunting especially considering the major projects in the pipeline and how difficult it can be to find the right person to fill their roles and whose families are able to be part of our community.”

The city faces some significant questions regarding succession planning and organizational development for the future. For many small communities in Iowa and the Midwest determining an appropriate succession plan while continuing to move the city organization and community forward is a considerable challenge given today’s employment trends. He said the addition of Bishop to serve as the assistant city manager will ensure continuity of services and projects in addition to pursuing opportunities for organizational development and succession planning.

Bishop will have a broad range of responsibilities and work closely with a number of departments and directors on executing long range goals, complex projects, and succession planning initiatives, according to Ortiz-Hernandez.

Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Bakersfield. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various professional and community groups including the Art Council of Kern, American Public Works Association, International City/County Management Association, and the California League of Cities Transportation, Communication and Public Works Policy Committee.

She officially started her duties Aug. 30, but her family has been enjoying Webster City for several weeks.