Wiles Accepts City's Assistant City Administrator Offer

Doug Wiles has accepted the City of Bismarck's offer to fill the vacant Assistant City Administrator position.

Wiles has served as the City of Bismarck Forester since 2015. He is a graduate of the University of Mary with a Master's Degree in Public Administration and the University of Idaho with a Master's Degree in Natural Resources Management.

"Doug set himself apart throughout the process of filling this position," said Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz, who is the Administration portfolio holder and was part of the panel interviewing the two finalists for the position. "When we met with him for his interview, he repeatedly came back to how this role serves as a civil servant leader. Commissioner Anne Cleary talked about how in her time as the Forestry portfolio holder, again and again, she saw Doug not just talk about this belief, but continually make it a priority in how he led his staff. I believe he is going to make a truly positive impact on our organization and the citizens we serve."

Wiles succeeds Jason Tomanek as Assistant Administrator after Tomanek was hired as the City Administrator in February. The Assistant City Administrator is one of three appointed positions, along with the City Administrator and the City Attorney, within the structure of the City of Bismarck organization.

Wiles is now the City of Bismarck's third-ever Assistant City Administrator, following Tomanek and Keith Hunke. The Assistant City Administrator has traditionally planned, coordinated and directed the procedural and administrative duties of the Administration Department, such as the preparation of supporting meeting materials, managing the city's liquor and gaming licenses, and overseeing communications activities.

"My experience with working in the City of Bismarck has helped teach me that if I don't know an answer, I know where to go with my questions," said Wiles. "This is an incredible opportunity, but here is where the work begins. Now I can begin working with the City Commission, Jason and the staff in the Administration office to identify what our next steps are as an organization and how we continue to shape a positive future for Bismarck's citizens."

With Wiles vacating the City Forester position, a search is expected to begin in the coming weeks to fill that position.