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City Manager Norman McNickle Announces Retirement After Four Decades of Service

Story provided by City of Stillwater

After more than 46 years of service to the City of Stillwater, City Manager Norman McNickle announced Monday that he is retiring. McNickle requested an Executive Session with Mayor Joyce and Council to discuss his decision. He will remain City Manager through approval of the FY24 budget (before June 1, 2023). He also agreed to help with leadership transition of his successor.

“We respect his decision to retire and appreciate his lifetime career that spans more than four decades of service and leadership within our city,” said Mayor Will Joyce. “His continued, exemplary efforts to increase and secure economic development, enhance the quality of life, and ultimately ensure residents and visitors are safe are a testament to his character and love for Stillwater.”

During McNickle’s time of service beginning in 1976, Stillwater has grown in population by approximately 20k residents. Most recently, he was instrumental in the passage of the first bond election in twenty years, to ensure a new fire station will be constructed to serve the ever-growing population.

“It has been my honor to serve Stillwater and any accomplishments during my tenure are not mine alone. I’m fortunate to have served alongside truly phenomenal people – from those knee-deep in freezing water to fix a water line to the finance department ensuring we are good stewards of taxpayer dollars, to everyone else,” shared McNickle. “I am grateful to the current and previous Mayor and Councilors who have allowed me to serve. From here, I look forward to spending quality time with my wife Deb, our children and family, not to mention as much time outdoors as possible.”

Norman McNickle’s career with the City began October 14, 1976 as an officer with the Stillwater Police Department. He worked his way through the ranks, from Patrol Officer, Investigator, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain and was named Chief of Police in 1987. He was appointed Public Safety Director then interim City Manager in 2015, and named City Manager in 2016. During his term as Police Chief, McNickle was crucial to the Stillwater Police Department accreditation and received the 2009 Oklahoma Municipal League’s Don Rider Award.

Mayor Joyce shared that Council will work with an outside firm and begin a nationwide search to fill the position. Internal candidates are encouraged to participate in that hiring process. More information will be provided once it is available.

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