Deputy City Manager of Decatur and Illinois State University alumnus Jon Kindseth ’08 spoke with students in the Political Science Professional Development (POL 296) class. Kindseth discussed his work experience, discussed employment in local government, and answered questions from students.

Kindseth joined the City of Decatur in 2019, to fill the newly created position of deputy city manager. The deputy city manager serves as an extension of the city manager and serves in the role during an absence.  In his role, Kindseth has responsibilities and direct oversight over many municipal services and initiatives, including public transit, city communication strategy, retail recruitment and neighborhood revitalization.

Prior to his current position in Decatur, Kindseth held many local government management positions over the past decade, including the village administrator in Beach Park.

Kindseth holds a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Politics and Government and a master’s of public administration from Northern Illinois University.