Poplar Bluff's new city manager calls first day 'very productive'

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Monday was Heath Kaplan's 41st birthday and a day of many firsts.

It was his first official day as Poplar Bluff's new city manager, his first Poplar Bluff City Council meeting and his first time to attend a quarterly luncheon meeting of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.

"I believe Heath will serve our community very well," Mayor Angela Pearson said while introducing Kaplan to the crowd that filled the council chambers.

Pearson thanked interim city manager Mark Massingham for his service during the past 3 1/2 months.

"Mark did a wonderful job," Pearson said.

Those present applauded Massingham.

Jim Chrisman led everyone in singing "Happy Birthday" to Kaplan.

"My first day went very well," Kaplan said during his report at the close of the meeting.

He described his meeting with Smith & Co. engineers as "very productive."

Kaplan heard U.S. Rep. Jason Smith speak during the chamber luncheon.

"We are very fortunate to have him as our representative," Kaplan said.

"I appreciate the very warm reception I have received," Kaplan said.

In the afternoon, Kaplan met with members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

"It was very productive," Kaplan said.

Kaplan and his family have moved from Muskegon, Michigan, where he had been serving as the finance and management services director for Muskegon County since November 2010.

He has a master's degree in public administration with a public management emphasis and a bachelor of arts degree in public administration with an emphasis in economics, accounting and public health from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Kaplan was hired during the Aug. 4 council meeting. He signed a one-year contract and will be paid $160,000.