Charlie Yunker describes himself as a “behind the scenes kind of guy.”
Yunker, a St. Anthony Village employee since 2012, was named city manager Jan. 19 by the St. Anthony City Council. He served as interim city manager following the resignation of Mark Casey, and was chosen after a rigorous talent search.
The City Council also interviewed Riley Grams, city administrator for the City of Osseo, Minn.; Jacob Meshke, assistant city manager, Brookings, S.D.; and Lisa Von Bargen, borough manager for the City and Borough of Wrangell, Alaska.
Yunker, who holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s in executive leadership, started in St. Anthony’s finance department. By taking a good look at how things are done and how systems work, he’s been able to introduce cost savings to the city’s operations. For example, by changing the way St. Anthony’s two liquor stores manage their inventories, he was able to shorten the length of time it takes to do the inventory from one day to two hours.
Reached the day after he was chosen, he said he is “pretty excited” to take on his new role, and thankful for the opportunity the council has given him.
He said city employees function very well as a team, and he has no desire to change that culture. In his interview with the City Council, the point was made that many long-time employees will reach retirement age in the next five years.
Yunker said he wouldn’t be seeking a lot of public exposure. “I’m not a spotlight guy,” he said. “I like working in the back office.” He did say he would be reaching out and making connections with various civic groups in the city and making himself available to them.
He likens the role of city manager to that of a corporation’s chief executive officer. “The City Council is the board of directors,” he said. “They set the direction and establish the vision, and the staff aligns that with daily service delivery.” He sees himself in a supporting role for department heads. “We have a group of very smart, intelligent people here who can be trusted to do their jobs. I’m just the conductor.”
Yunker is also a part-time human resources coordinator at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. A native of Hopkins, Minn., he is president of the Hopkins Raspberry Association, which manages the city’s annual Raspberry Festival. He and his wife, Aubre, have a daughter in first grade, Chloe. The family lives in Minnetonka.
Yunker’s appointment is expected to be confirmed at the Jan. 26 City Council meeting.
Below: Charlie Yunker, St. Anthony’s new city manager. (Photo provided by City of St. Anthony)
