Charlie Dissell, the City of Indianola’s deputy city manager/chief of operations and development, will become an assistant city manager for the City of Independence – the fifth largest city in Missouri with more than 123,000 residents.
His last day in Indianola is July 13.
“The knowledge and experience I have gained in the six years while in Indianola has undoubtedly provided me with the opportunity to become the assistant city manager for Independence, Missouri,” Dissell said. “I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve this city alongside so many dedicated people who work hard and take tremendous pride in making Indianola great.”
City Manager Benjamin Reeves commended Dissell for his service to Indianola, the many accomplishments he achieved on behalf of the City and the lasting impression he’s made on the community during his tenure.
“Charlie’s exceptional work, and the legacy he leaves behind, will have a positive impact on the City of Indianola for generations to come. His fingerprints can be found in every new development, in the revitalization of our business and industrial districts, and in the many projects that will continue to unfold within our community in the years ahead due to his great work and planning.” Reeves said. “He has been an inspirational leader with a visionary and entrepreneurial spirit, a community and consensus builder, and a great friend along the way. I wish Charlie only the very best in his bright future, knowing all too well that he leaves some very big shoes to fill upon his departure. He will surely be missed.”
Dissell joined the City of Indianola in November 2018 as the community and economic development director, where he oversaw various processes that brought over $247 million of permitted value to the City. He managed the operation and adoption of the Downtown Square Master Plan in 2019 – an instrumental component to the multiple-phased Downtown Reconstruction Project set for completion later this summer – leading to a $10 million major infrastructure investment into Indianola’s most coveted and historic asset. Dissell also oversaw the procedures in adopting the Elevate Indianola Comprehensive Plan in 2020, which includes over 160 implementation strategies that have guided City staff on many great accomplishments since its adoption.
Dissell served as interim city manager from November 2021 through May 2022, and was later named deputy city manager/chief of development and operations in January 2024.
Other notable highlights throughout Dissell’s career in Indianola include:
- Leading the adoption process of the City’s updated zoning and site plan codes in 2021.
- Guiding the adoption process of the City’s residential rental code in 2021. The City is ending its first cycle of rental inspections this month.
- Expanding services in the Community Development Department with the addition of a code enforcement officer in 2021 and an associate planner in 2022.
- Leading the adoption process of the Sixth Street Sub-Area Plan in 2022, helping spark a collaborative partnership with Warren County in a land exchange agreement earlier this year that will turn this plan into a reality.
- Serving as project manager for the Indianola Industrial Park 3 infrastructure improvements in 2023 – a public-private partnership that expanded the City’s industrial park by 60 acres.
- Guiding the reinstatement of the Downtown Facade and Interior Improvement Program in 2023, which awarded grants to five private properties totaling over $110,000 and lead to over $256,000 of reinvestment into the Downtown Indianola Square.
- Leading the application process for the Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Fund in 2024, driving nearly $1.3 million of reinvestment into private buildings located in the Downtown Indianola Square.
“I leave Indianola incredibly proud of what our team has been able to accomplish in my time here," Dissell said. “There is no doubt the future of this community is bright, and whoever follows will be able to be part of a great team that will continue to elevate Indianola.”
Information about the transition process and vacant position following Dissell’s departure will be released at a future date.