Retirement reception held for Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss

On Thursday, April 17, a reception was held to celebrate and congratulate Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss on his retirement, effective April 30. Friends and colleagues from during Ziegenfuss’s 23 years of service packed the Central Office building of the Hollister School District for the reception and ceremony. 

Former Hollister Mayor Lamar Patton, who will transition into the City Administrator position, served as emcee for the program. The variety of presentations and comments, including from state and local officials, various agencies and Congressional representatives’ offices, were a testament to Ziegenfuss’s effectiveness in coordinating efforts on many fronts to make Hollister a great place to live and work, while also keeping the city in good shape financially. 

“There’s no better place to live than Hollister and southwest Missouri,” shared entertainer Tony Orlando. “As a veteran himself, Rick has done some great work on behalf of our veterans, and has been a motivator behind the area’s reputation for honoring them.” 

Educators Dr. Rob Griffith of Ozarks Technical Community College and Dr. Sue Head of College of the Ozarks spoke of Ziegenfuss’ impact on their personal careers and campus growth. “I always felt like Rick had our back,” said Dr. Head. “He has been open to ideas and tried to say ‘yes’ for the good of the community.” 

That “saying yes” also resulted in a win-win for the city and the Western Taney County Fire Protection District in terms of needed space; and the examples could go on and on. 

There were some light-hearted moments in the celebration, with some presenters admitting they had to learn that Rick’s military experience meant meetings started on time. 

As for Ziegenfuss, he personally took the mic to comment on each presentation, and particularly thanked his family for their patience with the long hours and stress the job often involves. “Easy is overrated,” he said. He thanked all those he has worked with over the years, saying he has sometimes functioned in a sort of “dad” role for younger leaders and will now get to benefit from their commitment to the future. 

Earlier that day, the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce shared a tribute video at their monthly luncheon, and presented Ziegenfuss with a commemorative T-shirt of the “Rick Z World Tour”—listing the names of area streams and lakes where he plans to spend much of his time now with his boat and fishing gear. 

The Globe staff join many others in appreciation for Rick Ziegenfuss and all he has done to make the Hollister community a great place to live and work.