Colbert takes the reins in Waupaca

WAUPACA – After years of serving the community – first as a middle school principal and most recently as the Director of Parks and Recreation—Waupaca’s new city administrator has stepped into the role with a pledge to maintain the city’s forward momentum.

Laura Colbert, who has been the Director of Parks and Recreation for the past four years, has accepted the position of city administrator.

“Laura has proven that she is a good leader through her prior position as Parks and Recreation Director. She has done a wonderful job of learning the position. She is highly motivated to learn all aspects of the city administrator position. She has the respect of the mayor, city council, department heads, city staff and the community. She will continue to improve which only makes her a better fit,” said Mayor Brian Smith.

The role became vacant after the previous administrator, Josh Finch, was terminated last March.

Instead of rushing to find a replacement, the city took the time to discuss what the role is and its formal description.

Justin Berrens, the Director of Public Works, filled the shoes as the interim city administrator, juggling both roles while the city took the time to discuss the role and what the city itself needs in a city administrator.

At a recent council meeting, Berrens announced he was not interested in taking the administrator role full-time, choosing instead to remain head of the public works department.

It was only then that Colbert decided to apply, as she had not wanted to compete with Berrens out of professional courtesy.

Colbert said she had reached the point of expertise with knowing how the city functions and feeling more prepared to take on the challenge.

Colbert has been influential on several projects throughout the city during her tenure as director.

Recently, and most notable, has been the construction of the business center and the expansion of the blue gym, in which she was involved in the project from start to finish.

The business center project was funded with a grant from the Flexible Facilities Program awarded through the State of Wisconsin.

The facility was part of the city’s comprehensive plan to spur economic development.

Jeff Anderson, president of the Chamber of Commerce, called Colbert a “champion” of the project at the opening of the center, praising her for helping to bring the project to completion.

She was also part of the renovation of the Waupaca Lakemen Field project from beginning to end, which included the renovation of the infield, concessions and lighting.

Other projects she has helped with include the splash pad and playground at Swan Park and the boardwalk project that leads to the Waupaca River located along Highway 22.

Some projects set to start in 2027 include the construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Park and pedestrian bridge in downtown Waupaca as well as the Eco Park renovation which aims to make the park into a regional destination.

Colbert has an extensive background in education, with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, a master’s degree in educational leadership and an additional master’s degree in experiential education.

Colbert, who lived in Waupaca for most of her childhood, returned to Waupaca to accept a role as assistant principal and eventually principal of Waupaca Middle School.

She remained with the school district for four years before transitioning into her role as director of parks and recreation.

She and her husband, Garrett, have three children together and in their free time they enjoy hiking and kayaking, being outdoors and involved in community events, as well as visiting local shops and restaurants that Waupaca has to offer.

Colbert said she often signs herself and her family up for events at the Arts Hub.

Colbert said she is excited to have the opportunity to continue Waupaca’s forward moving momentum and continue to help the city grow.

“I think I can do a little bit better job of just talking about how excited I am about this position and the opportunity to serve Waupaca in a greater scope,” she said. “And see the great things that we can do collaboratively across the city.”