Introducing Our New City Administrator!

We would like to take a moment to introduce you to our new City Administrator, Zachary Franklin!

Zach came to us from the City of Columbia, however, it wasn’t just the job that brought him here, his family roots help to bring him home.

Zach grew up in Desloge, attending and graduating from North County Senior High. After graduating, he attended Mineral Area College before moving to Columbia to attend Mizzou.

In 2017 he graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, with an emphasis in Sports Management, and a Minor in Business Administration.

Zach interned with the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department before becoming the Development Supervisor, oversing all operations for the Columbia Sports Commission. He worked for the City of Columbia for 5 ½ years.

He and his wife/high school sweetheart, Kierstin, kept close ties to the area during their 9 years living in Columbia. Kierstin, who works as a therapist, traveled to the St. Louis area weekly for work. Zach explained that he and Kierstin has been discussing a move back to the area for a while before the City Administrator’s position had even become available, noting the desire to be closer to family and friends.

When asked about his goals and vision for the City of Park Hills, he indicated his first goal, a 6-month plan, is to create a stable and engaging culture among the City employees. He is passionate about making sure that employees are heard and respected.

Regarding his vision for the City as a whole, Zach noted a section of the City’s Mission Statement, “The City of Park Hills is dedicated to making our town the best possible place to live, work and raise a family”. He desires to ensure that the mission is understood and practiced by all those that work for the City and to ensure that all sentiments expressed in the mission do come to fruition.

We are excited to welcome Zach, Kierstin, and their Greyhound mutt mix, Lola, back to St. Francois County and to our City! We can’t wait to see what extraordinary things he does for our town!