News Release

LMC Executive Director Dave Unmacht to retire in May

Organization plans to launch search for successor

After a nearly 40-year career devoted to serving local governments, League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Executive Director Dave Unmacht has announced plans to retire in May 2023.

Unmacht has served as the LMC’s executive director since August 2015. Prior to taking on that role, he was a senior vice president and local government consultant with Springsted; served 16 years in county administration roles in Dakota and Scott counties; and served as city administrator in Belle Plaine and city manager in Prior Lake.

“It is a privilege and honor to serve as executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities,” Unmacht said. “This role has brought unlimited memories, experiences of a lifetime, and countless new friends. Yet, as we continue to move past the pandemic and renew and refresh our work to help strengthen Minnesota’s cities, now is the time to choose a new leader to move the League into the future. The next generation of leaders is ready — it’s time to give them their chance.”

LMC President Ron Johnson, who also serves on the Bemidji City Council, noted that he participated in the selection process when Unmacht was hired and 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.”

The LMC Board of Directors, led by Johnson, plans to initiate a search process beginning in early 2023 to find Unmacht’s successor with the goal to have a replacement on board before he retires.

“I am confident we can hit the same kind of home run with the selection of our new executive director as we did when we hired Dave,” Johnson said. “The League is a special organization and with our selection we want to ensure it continues to be an employer of choice. This will be at the forefront of my mind as we move forward in the selection process.”

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