City a step closer to hiring a city administrator

The Winthrop City Council extended an offer to Michael Looft to become the next city administrator for the city. Interviews with five of the six finalists were held on Thursday. The six finalists were selected by David Drown Associates Company, the search firm hired by the City Council. Each of the candidates had a short interview with members of the city staff which was followed by a longer one with the Council. Following those interviews, the Council met with Liza Donabauer of David Drown to discuss which of the candidates the city would offer the position to. The Council ranked the candidates with two of them considered for the hire. After much deliberation, the Council unanimously voted to offer the position to Looft. Looft is currently employed as the President & CEO of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce. He has been in this position for two years. Prior to this, he worked for Walmart Stores Inc. as Co-Manager and Store Manager for over 15 years. Mr. Looft holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Political Science from Minnesota State University Mankato.