A longtime Lakes Area Official is set to retire next year.

In a press release from the City of Hollister, City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss announces he will retire next April 30.

Ziegenfuss joined the city in April of 2002 as an Economic Development Director then took over as City Administrator in May of 2003 after retirement of the city's first fulltime administrator John Lewis.

Ziegenfuss in several capacities aided in the city and the region in many developments, including the agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation and other entities to build the interchange at Highway 65 at the Southtowne Center, worked on the ballot issue that landed the area Ozark Technical Community College Table Rock Campus in Hollister, the Partners in Progress monthly meetings bringing together area stakeholders and also had a role in the development of the Taney County Partnership. 

The full release from the City of Hollister is posted below:

Rick Ziegenfuss, City Administrator for the City of Hollister, announced he will retire effective April 30, 2025. Mr. Ziegenfuss joined the City of Hollister April 1, 2002, as the Director of Economic Development and became the City Administrator on May 1, 2003. Mr. Ziegenfuss has played a pivotal role in many projects that have helped the growth of not only Hollister but also the Tri-Lakes Region. 

On behalf of the Board of Aldermen, Mayor Lamar Patton shared, “The Board is appreciative beyond words of his 23 years of service to the citizens of Hollister. As a community, we hope to spend the appropriate time in the coming months to show that appreciation.” 

Ziegenfuss stated, “It has indeed been my pleasure to have had the opportunity to serve the residents, businesses, guests, and elected officials alongside the City of Hollister staff for the past 23 years. Over that time, Hollister has evolved from a town into a city with a commitment to its stakeholders to be a relevant partner in the Tri-Lakes Region of tomorrow. I have truly enjoyed the relationships I have built during my tenure
and to share in the accomplishments we have collectively achieved.” 

He also added, “I am proud of today’s Hollister as a city, but most of all, I am proud of the team that has stood by and supported me on each step of my amazing journey. Now, it’s time for them to have their chance for their new ideas and their energy to take Hollister and the region to the next level. It is with a great deal of confidence and anticipation that I am looking forward to seeing their leadership build tomorrow’s Hollister. I am also looking forward to the next chapter in my life: fish to be caught, travel destinations to be visited!” 

“Once again, my heartfelt gratitude to all who have made my last 23 years a rewarding career.” 

The Board of Aldermen has initiated the search for Hollister’s next City Administrator and looks forward to a smooth transition.