Administration

City Manager

Bret Glendening was appointed as Osawatomie's City Manager in June 2023. He previously served Osawatomie as Deputy City Manager from 2021 to 2023 and as City Manager from 2006 to 2011. Prior to joining Osawatomie, he worked for the League of Kansas Municipalities, Riley County, and Kiewit Corporation. As City Manager, Glendening is responsible for implementing the policies of the Osawatomie City Council, submitting the annual budget to the City Council and monitoring the City's financial health, and directing the city’s departments to best serve the mission and values of the City of Osawatomie. The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the organization.

He received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics and a master's in public administration from Kansas State University.

Deputy City Manager

Michele Silsbee joined the City of Osawatomie's administration team in July 2024 as Deputy City Manager. She serves as the city’s project manager for all hard infrastructure improvements, such as road rehabilitation and treatment plant upgrades. In addition, she supervises the Public Works and Utilities departments and works closely with the City Manager to promote Osawatomie by developing short- and long-term community development plans. She previously served Osawatomie as Public Works Director from 2022 to 2024. Prior to joining Osawatomie, she worked for the City of Olathe and the City of Hutchinson.

She received an associate's degree in biology/chemistry from Hutchinson Community College, a bachelor's degree in business management from McPherson College, and a master's of public administration from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs at Wichita State University.