January 14, 2025 – West Bend, WI – City of West Bend assistant city administrator Jessica Wildes has resigned.
Common Council President John Butschlick said Wildes turned in her letter of resignation Friday, January 10, 2025. She submitted a four-week notice and her last day will be Friday, February 7, 2025.
Butschlick relayed details from the resignation letter where Wildes said ‘it was an honor to serve the city of West Bend for five years and contribute to the success of the city.’
Butschlick said she laid out bullet points of working relationships with businesses and being part of communications and tourism and the downtown revitalization. “She said a lot of the success was made possible due to teamwork and dedication,” he said.
Butschlick credited Wildes for her grant writing. He said he was “kind of surprised” when he heard about the resignation.
“Her last comment in the letter was that she was going to pursue another impact opportunity,” said Butschlick.
This is not the first time the city has been without an assistant city administrator. The position was vacant for seven years, following the departure of Steve Volkert who held the job from February 2013 to January 2016 when he left for an administrative job in the City of Hartford.
Wildes was initially hired in December 2019 as the first Marketing and Communications Director for the City of West Bend.
In 2023 the city resurrected the assistant city administrator position.
Wildes was appointed to the position of assistant city administrator on June 27, 2023.
According to details from the clerk’s office, there were ‘no other applicants for the role since it was a promotion.’
Below is the assistant city administrator’s salary information since June 2023:
2023 (pro-rated June-December): $116,000
2024: $120,640 (4% increase)
2025 (projected): $130,541 (8% increase to market rate)
Questioned whether the position of assistant city administrator would be filled, Butschlick said, “I think what we’re going to do is probably just leave it open.”
Butschlick confirmed Wildes is an “at-will employee” and “because she resigned the position, there will be no payout.”
This is a working story, and more information will be posted when information comes available.
December 20, 2019 – West Bend, WI – The City of West Bend is pleased to announce the hiring of its first Marketing and Communications Director, Jessica Wildes. Serving as the marketing department head, Wildes will create the first-ever marketing and communication plan for the City.
Wildes will develop and design materials to support new programs, initiatives, and advertising to attract new business and tourism. Wildes will also represent the city in media communications, oversee Community Television programs and operations, and serve as chief social media contact.
Wildes has more than 10 years of marketing and communications experience. She will transition to the City from her role as Director of Communications and Marketing at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) in West Bend. During her time at MOWA, Wildes worked to build solid relationships with local government and regional organizations.
She earned more than $83,000 in grant funding for marketing exhibitions and special events, and elevated brand awareness to support significant increases in museum attendance and engagement. Wildes holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University and is Vice President of the Visit Washington County Executive Committee.
“I’m honored to serve as the first Marketing and Communications Director for the City of West Bend,” said Wildes. “West Bend is a vibrant community with incredible resources, attractions, and opportunities for economic growth. It has boundless potential and I look forward to contributing in meaningful ways.”
Wildes begins her new role as Director on Monday, January 6, 2020.
