After a nationwide search and an extensive assessment center process with five outstanding finalists, the City of Garden City has hired Danielle Buschkoetter and Derek Ramos as the new Assistant City Managers.
Danielle and Derek will begin their employment with the City on March 28.
“The goal of our Assistant City Manager search was to identify one, or possibly two, highly talented professionals to add to our team to not only fill recent senior management team vacancies but to also build capacity for where we are heading as an organization,” City Manager Matt Allen said.
Allen said the assessment center process, which involved many city staff, elected officials and community members, revealed that Buschkoetter and Ramos were the right fit.
“They both bring skills and experience to the City that will help us right away. They both also have a strong desire to learn and grow as local government professionals and servant leaders, which suggests an even greater upside for the City in the coming years,” Allen said.
Both individuals will help lead a group of departments while also overseeing special projects.
Danielle Buschkoetter
Danielle comes to Garden City after serving as the Budget & Strategic Initiatives Administrator for the City of Lawrence. She started her career with Lawrence in May of 2016, where she was a full-time intern in the City Manager’s Office.
Prior to working for the City of Lawrence, she was an intern in Olathe and Kearney, Neb. While in Lawrence, she led the budget development process for a $400 million annual budget that includes the implementation of priority-based budgeting to more directly tie the budget to the strategic plan. She also facilitated the City’s public engagement process for the development of the City’s strategic plan that included approximately 100 hours of public engagement with over 3,000 community members.
Danielle was raised in Kearney, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas.
“I am excited and honored to join the team in Garden City. I look forward to serving the community and working with the City Commission and staff to achieve our goals,” she said. “Garden City is an amazing community, and I am very fortunate to be joining it.”
Derek Ramos
Prior to joining the City of Garden City, Derek began his career with Edward Jones as a licensed financial advisor. From there, he went to work in the construction industry with Tatro as a project engineer. For the past nine years, he has been the Dean of Physical Planning & Facilities Management at Garden City Community College.
Derek was born in Garden City and attended Garden City Community College, where he earned his Associate’s degree in Science. After leaving Garden City, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Kansas State University. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from National American University.
Derek is an experienced administrator with a demonstrated history of working in the education, construction, and service management industry. He is skilled in Project Management, Team Building, Business Development, Leadership, Contract Management, and Financial Accounting. Derek also served a three-year term on the Governor’s Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission.
“Garden City has always been home. I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to serve and make a positive impact in the community where my children will grow,” he said.