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Whitewater city official plans to take county job

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Kevin Brunner

WHITEWATER — Whitewater City Manager Kevin Brunner plans to resign his position to become director of central services/highway commissioner for Walworth County.

"I'm looking forward to a great opportunity, and I won't have to move," Brunner told The Gazette on Thursday. "I will be able to continue to live in a great community here in Whitewater while working for a great county."

Brunner's wife, Nancy, is a teacher in Janesville.

A finalist for the city manager's job in Janesville in 2008, Brunner was scheduled for an interview in Fond du Lac today, where he was one of five finalists for the city manager job there. He withdrew his name from consideration and announced in an email to members of the Whitewater City Council that he had accepted the county job.

Walworth County Administrator Dave Bretl appointed Brunner subject to county board approval. If confirmed by the county board, Brunner said he will formally submit his resignation as Whitewater city manager July 20.

"The opportunity to work for Walworth County in this capacity will allow me to better meet some of my personal and professional goals in the future," Brunner said in his email. "The good news is that my family and I intend on staying here in Whitewater for the immediate future and will continue our community involvement."

Brunner has 32 years of experience in local government management, including the past eight as Whitewater city manager. He previously served as assistant to the mayor of Appleton and assistant to the Kenosha County administrator. The Wisconsin City Manager Association named Brunner city administrator of the year in 2007.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carthage College in Kenosha and a master's degree in public administration from Michigan State.