Following Stephanie Hirsch's abrupt resignation from the city manager role in April, Dave Solberg has been appointed interim city manager until someone is officially hired for the role.

Dave Solberg, the City of Eau Claire’s deputy city manager, has been unanimously appointed to the interim city manager role following Stephanie Hirsch’s resignation from the role on April 28.

Solberg’s appointment was made official at this evening’s City Council meeting. His term as interim city manager formally begins at 6pm tonight, May 12. 

Near the start of the meeting, Hirsch was present to receive a certificate of appreciation from council, recognizing her four-year term as city manager – and historic role as the first woman to hold the position. She thanked her family, City staff, council members and the wider community, calling the role the “best honor” of her life. 

Hirsch has not publicly stated the reasoning behind her resignation, which came just two days before the end – and potential renewal – of her contract with the City. 

“The opportunity to lead that community (Chippewa Falls), for any qualified candidate, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The City of Eau Claire (city manager role) is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have an absolutely great region.”

DAVE SOLBERG

INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CITY OF EAU CLAIRE

According to Solberg, who was also recently named a final candidate for the city administrator role of the City of Chippewa Falls, Hirsch’s resignation was a surprise. 

“I applied for the (City of Chippewa Falls) position before the sudden and unexpected resignation of City Manager Hirsch. So, I have thoroughly enjoyed my position as deputy city manager and city engineer but I feel I have more to give to the region,” Solberg said via email. 

Dave Solberg, pictured, via LinkedIn.

Solberg, who has served the City of Eau Claire in various roles for 12 years, is no stranger to the interim city manager role. As previously shared, Solberg held the interim role from 2020-2022, following Dale Peters’ retirement, before becoming a final candidate for the city manager role in 2022 – which ultimately went to Hirsch.

“Feedback (in 2022) was that I did not have a master’s degree,” Solberg said. “Since then, I have earned my master’s in public administration degree to prepare me to be a city manager or city administrator.”

Over his career in public service – initially as a municipality engineer – Solberg has grown into larger leadership roles. He calls the positions of city manager or city administrator his “last career goal.” 

Solberg may be a candidate for the actual city manager role, among others. The city council entered a closed work session just before 5:30pm, where discussion will be had around the hiring process for city manager – which will either go the internal route or open into a nationwide search. 

“The opportunity to lead that community (Chippewa Falls), for any qualified candidate, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Solberg said. “The City of Eau Claire (city manager role) is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have an absolutely great region.”

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