December 21, 2022
The City of Lawrence announced today the resignation of Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager. Stoddard has accepted a position as City Administrator in Leawood, Kansas.
Diane Stoddard has served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Lawrence since October 2007. She served as the Interim City Manager from June 2015 to March 2016. Diane currently serves on the Executive Board of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) as a Regional Vice President representing the Mountain Plains Region. She is a graduate of various leadership programs, including Leadership Kansas in 2004. Diane holds a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Kansas.
“It has been an honor to serve as both Assistant City Manager and, on one occasion, Interim City Manager for Lawrence over the last 15 years,” said Stoddard. “As my hometown, Lawrence will always be very dear to my heart. I’m happy that this new position allows me and my family to remain close.”
Stoddard’s last day with the City will be Friday, Jan. 13.
“Diane is one of the great leaders in our profession. Lawrence has been gifted for years with her talent, which she shared generously with her hometown,” said City Manager Craig Owens. “We will miss her greatly and couldn’t be more excited for her as she continues her leadership journey and public service in Leawood.”
Continued leadership will be provided by the city manager’s office team as longer term transition adjustments are explored.
Contact: Porter Arneill, Director of Communications and Creative Resources, 785-832-3402 | parneill@lawrenceks.org