Executive Director Dave Unmacht Retires

League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Executive Director Dave Unmacht retired this week, ending a 40-year career in local government.

Unmacht began his career in local government as a city administrator in Belle Plaine in 1983.

“One of the first things I did in when I became the city administrator was call the League,” remembered Unmacht.

From there, Unmacht served as a city manager in Prior Lake; served 16 years in administration roles in Dakota and Scott counties; and served as senior vice president and local government consultant with Springsted. In 2015, Unmacht became the League of Minnesota Cities’ 10th executive director.

LMC President Ron Johnson said that Unmacht has “exceeded our expectations in his role.”

“Over the past seven years, Dave has successfully led the League through some of our most challenging times,” Johnson said. “He has been a steady source of guidance and inspiration whose passion for public service always shines through. Minnesota cities have been fortunate to have him in their corner.”

This week, the League governing boards, members and staff said goodbye to their longtime leader, who has been credited with creating a culture of teamwork and resiliency at the League. Unmacht used his time as executive director to connect directly with cities, meeting with hundreds of officials in Minnesota’s 855 cities. He estimates that he attended over 2,000 city council meetings during his career.

League members can connect with Unmacht one last time at this year’s Annual Conference, happening June 21-23 in Duluth.

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