JOPLIN, Mo. – After serving the City for more than 17 years, Emergency Manager for Joplin and Jasper County Keith Stammer has announced he will retire on November 1 this year.

Stammer began his career with the City in 2005 and provided steady leadership throughout several federal disasters in Joplin and Jasper County, including ice storms, flooding, and the EF-5 tornado in May 2011.

“As Emergency Manager, Keith had the significant responsibility to make sure our community is prepared for a disaster,” said City Manager Nick Edwards. “I think everyone will remember Keith’s leadership through the tornado response and recovery. The word dedication gets thrown around a lot but I can truly say that Keith is dedicated to the community as evident through his career. He worked to make sure we had a plan for almost everything we never wanted to have happen. Keith was a leader for us not only in developing plans and responses but also coordinating volunteers and serving the region. His expertise and experience will be missed.”

With the position serving both the City of Joplin and Jasper County, City officials will work with the Jasper County Commission to coordinate hiring the next Emergency Manager.

“Honestly, this has been a dream job for me,” said Stammer. “I could not ask for better cooperation and support from everyone over the years. Considering all the training, exercises, and actual events we have been through in 17 years, I feel I can say to all who participated, ‘Job well done!’.”

In his retirement, Stammer and his wife Kathy will enjoy more family time, traveling, and dancing.

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