Kotzebue has a new city manager. Ron Johnson was hired in early December, but his position was not officially approved until Thursday night. The Kotzebue City Council unanimously approved his appointment during an executive session, according to the city’s attorney.
Johnson began serving as acting city manager in early August, after the council terminated the previous manager, Leon Kiana, without explanation.
Johnson told KOTZ on Friday morning, his first official day as city manager, that he comes from an engineering background.The 62-year-old has worked for the Department of Defense and as a teacher in Asia.
Johnson joined the city in 2023 as the Parks and Recreation director, a position now held by Johnson’s wife, Jenalyn. Johnson said he had no influence over her promotion, and the choice was made by the city council in late October.
Johnson said the city manager position comes with a steep learning curve, but he is looking forward to the work. He said he wants to prioritize building a veterans memorial in Kotzebue.
According to Kotzebue City Attorney Joe Evans, Johnson will receive a $130,000 annual salary, which is 10% more than the previous city manager.
The council also approved Mike Wetzel, a consultant with the accounting firm Altman, Rogers & Co., as Kotzebue's finance director. The position was previously held by Michael Laughlin. The council did not provide a reason for Laughlin's departure.
