Kingfisher will soon be in the market for a new city manager.

Dave Slezickey on Wednesday tendered his resignation after more than 10 years in the position with the city.

“I thank you for the opportunity to serve the Kingfi sher community for the past 10-and-a-half years,” Slezickey wrote in his resignation letter to Mayor Roxie Alexander and the city commission.

“I am blessed and humbled at being part of the progress and success of such an amazing community in my capacity as city manager.”

Slezickey will now be fulfi lling that capacity at The Village, a community of about 9,600 people within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

He’ll replace Bruce Stone, who has been the city manager there for nearly 38 years.

“The dynamics of local government leadership has changed, as every profession has over the past few years, and there are more needs for experienced quality managers than those available to fill the positions,” Slezickey told the Times & Free Press.

“I saw the opportunities with The Village as a good fit with my experience and skill set and their needs for the future of their community.”

Slezickey’s contract with Kingfisher calls for him to provide 90 days of notice. With Wednesday’s letter, that sets a separation date of April 10.

However, with accrued vacation and leave, as well as the pull of his new job, that date could be sooner.

“The Village would like me there sooner rather than later and are retaining the retiring manager as a consultant through the transition,” he said. “I committed to a smooth transition for Kingfisher and The Village is supportive.”

In the meantime, the Kingfisher City Commission will begin the task of finding his successor.Alexander told the Times & Free Press on Thursday that the commission will need to call for a special meeting soon.

“We’ll have to get all the commissioners together to, first, accept his resignation and then discuss how we will proceed,” she said.

However, the commission that begins the process will likely look different than the one that finishes it.

The city commission currently consists of Alexander, Vice Mayor Wendell Prim and commissioners Geoff Covalt and Kyle Mecklenburg.

It’s one member short as Ryan Deatherage resigned at last month’s meeting.

During its January regular meeting, the commission set an election for April 4 to not only fill Deatherage’s seat, but also that of Prim.

He’s nearing the end of his second four-year term and cannot seek a third consecutive term per city charter.

Alexander said whomever is selected by the commission will have big shoes to fill.

“I think Dave’s done a lot for our community, especially if you sit back and take it all in,” she said.

She quickly noted the new water treatment plant, continued improvements to the electric system, updated equipment throughout the city, continued expansion of Kingfisher Trails and the cooperation between the city’s departments as just a few examples.

Slezickey said it’s a team effort.

“I continue to be amazed on a daily basis at the productivity and accomplishments of our employees and work team. We have great people that make me look better than I am on any given day,” he said.

“All the departments work very well together, help each other out and go the extra effort regularly. We have accomplished great things over the past decade, we learned some better ways to do things and will continue to succeed in the future. We have had numerous community sponsors and volunteers help us achieve our goals.”

He said several projects are currently under way that will benefit Kingfisher in the future as well, but the city won’t lose the smalltown feel it has.

“We are improving services with technology without losing the personal touch of maintaining human contact,” he said.

When he looks back on his time in Kingfisher since being hired in May 2012, Slezickey said he takes pride in the accomplishments of the workforce.

“Just watching supervisors develop into department heads and leaders and seeing our largest attrition being retirement,” he said.

Alexander said the development in the workforce is a feather in Slezickey’s cap. “He’s been a real motivator of teamwork,” she said. “Our department heads run on small crews. We don’t have huge staffs, but they work together and that was one thing Dave was big about developing.”

She also appreciated his relationship with all city employees.

“Not only is he a real motivator of teamwork, but he treats our people with respect,” she said. “And they respect him.”

Searching for a new job wasn’t a part of Slezickey’s to-do list. However, he’s also aware there’s always a ticking clock in his profession.

“Ten years is a long tenure for our size of community, but I have truly enjoyed every day of it, the friends I have made, and the people that have helped me learn. Ten years is a long time leading a team with the numerous functions and diversity of services provided by the city to provide for the needs of the community,” he said.

“The organization is multifaceted with numerous goals and priorities that are all number 1. Many people do not realize how much the city does and how unique we operate.

“I do not feel burnt out, but it has been tough finding the ‘what’s next’ for the success of our future, partially hampered by how much we have accomplished and achieved.”

And for that reason, he said, when The Village came calling, he was more willing to listen than in years past.

“I wasn’t looking for a new job, but felt that pursuing the position with The Village would allow me to develop and grow professionally,” Slezickey added.

Alexander said much has been achieved during his tenure, making Kingfisher a better place and the job of city manager a more attractive one.

Slezickey doesn’t disagree, but deflects most credit.

“I do believe Kingfisher is a better community than it was 10 years ago, but I think that comment can apply to any decade in both our past and future,” he said.

“I would like to think I had some impact on that, but I think any person in my position will lead successfully because of the quality of people and supporters in the community.”

Those factors and more, Alexander said, should land the city a qualified successor.

“I think we’ll get some really good applicants,” she said. “When I go to conferences and meetings, one thing is common: People love Kingfisher.

“I always say we’re a small town with a big-city heart and I think people will want to be a part of that.”

Slezickey said he’ll make himself available to help in any way during the transition.

“I will be available to the mayor and commissioners through the process as much or as little as needed,” he said. “I’ll just be a phone call away for staff and interim leadership for any needs. I’m highly confident that staff and leaders will not miss a beat until a new manager is selected.”

He, too, predicts a suitable candidate will be seated at his desk later this year.

“We have great leadership on the city commission and they function as one when deciding what is best for the city and community,” he said.

“Even when everyone does not agree, differing thoughts and opinions are respected.”