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Escanaba Today
By the People, for the People
Escanaba City Council Selects Top Candidate to Replace Outgoing Manager
Zeke Jackson, former administrator for the Village of Waterford, Wisconsin, is the Council's top pick to take over as Escanaba's next city manager.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The Escanaba City Council has unanimously voted to extend an offer to Zeke Jackson, the former administrator for the Village of Waterford, Wisconsin, to become the city's next manager. Jackson was selected as the top candidate after public interviews with two finalists, including former administrator of Freedom, Wisconsin, Justin Carlson. Current manager Jim McNeil is set to depart in mid-May, and the Council hopes to have his replacement in place before then.
Why it matters
The selection of a new city manager is an important decision for Escanaba, as the role oversees the day-to-day operations and long-term planning for the city. Jackson's experience in a similar waterfront community like Waterford is seen as particularly relevant, especially on issues like housing that are important for Escanaba.
The details
After current Escanaba City Manager Jim McNeil announced his intention to leave the position this spring, the City Council held public interviews with two finalists - Zeke Jackson, the former administrator for the Village of Waterford, Wisconsin, and Justin Carlson, the former administrator of Freedom, Wisconsin. On Thursday, the Council unanimously voted to extend an offer to Jackson, pending contractual terms and a background check. Council members were impressed with Jackson's experience and his ability to provide detailed, fact-based responses during the interview process.
- In December, current manager Jim McNeil announced his intention to 'move on' from his position this spring.
- In February, the City Council held public interviews with its top two candidates for the job.
- On Thursday, the Council discussed its next steps and unanimously voted to extend an offer to Zeke Jackson.
- According to McNeil, the City hopes to have its next manager in place before his departure in mid-May.
The players
Zeke Jackson
The Council's top candidate to replace outgoing Escanaba City Manager Jim McNeil. Jackson most recently served as the administrator for the Village of Waterford, Wisconsin.
Jim McNeil
The current Escanaba City Manager who announced his intention to 'move on' from the position this spring.
Karen Moore
An Escanaba City Council member who stated she was 'very impressed' with Zeke Jackson and believes he will bring relevant experience to the waterfront community.
What they’re saying
“I did talk to some people that have experience working with him, and I encountered no negative issues with him. He was very forthcoming. He answered the questions not only with a vague answer, but he answered them with facts and experience in every one of the questions. To me, that is an impressive candidate.”
— Karen Moore, Escanaba City Council member (wzmq19.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The selection of Zeke Jackson as the next Escanaba City Manager highlights the importance of finding a candidate with relevant experience to lead a waterfront community like Escanaba, particularly on issues like housing that are crucial for the city's future.
