Harlan City Council appoints Gervas Mgonja as new city administrator

 HARLAN  — Gervas Mgonja will be the new Harlan city administrator. The Harlan City Council voted unanimously to appoint Mgonja to the position during the Tuesday, January 7 Council Meeting.
 Mgonja brings over 20 years of experience in the financial service industry. He holds a master’s degree in business administration with advanced knowledge in strategic planning, financial analysis, and organizational leadership. He served as a key executive/CEO at Town & Country Credit Union and has expertise in lending, compliance and business development.
 “I value community engagement and look forward to continuing to contribute positively to the local area,” said Mgonja, adding  he is looking forward to forming relationships. He said he wants to “establish a strong working relationship with council members, and understand their goals and priorities, as I’ll need their support to implement initiatives.” He also plans to get to know city department heads and staff, to “build trust, communicate clearly, and foster a collaborative environment.”
 He also is excited to build local relationships by connecting with local businesses, nonprofits, and residents to understand their needs and perspectives. In addition, he said he will “build connections with state agencies, neighboring municipalities, and regional organizations.”
 He feels learning the community dynamics and the city’s budgetary constraints will be his biggest challenges. He plans to work to “quickly understand the community’s unique history, demographics, culture, and priorities, while aligning them with the city’s strategic goals, and manage limited financial resources effectively while meeting pressing infrastructure, public service, and economic development needs.”
 “I am a dedicated family man and active community member,” Mgonja said. He and his wife, Sarah, have five children, Henry, 15;  Willow, 7;  Wren, 5; Winston, 3; and Rowyn, 1 1/2 months. In addition to spending time with his family, his hobbies include fishing, hunting, and gardening.
 He is a board member and treasurer of Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry; a board member and treasurer of PTO for Harlan Community Schools; and is a committee member for Grandma B’s Dream Playground at Pioneer Park.
 Mgonja’s contract with the city includes an annual salary of $110,000 and is from January 8, 2025 through January 7, 2028.