Highland city manager set to retire following successful career in position

It’s been 44 years of service, and Highland City Manager Mark Latham is ready to retire.

Latham announced last week he will retire effective Nov. 13. He has served as Highland’s city manager since 2005, the same time Mayor Joe Michaelis took office.

Prior to coming to Highland, Latham served in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, for 27 years as city administrator, though, taking the position in Highland returned his family to his wife’s hometown. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and coaching and a master’s degree in leadership and ethics from John Brown University.

Latham’s accomplishments as Highland’s city manager include developing the city’s fiber system, replacement and construction of sidewalks and trails throughout the city, improvements to the city’s water treatment system, construction of the Veterans Memorial Wall and food pantry facility, and other such projects.

“I have enjoyed my time here in Highland and look forward to retirement after 44 years in municipal government,” Latham said. “I am most proud of the team of dedicated employees and directors who will continue to serve this great community into the future.”

Following retirement, Latham said they plan to move to the northwest Arkansas area, where he plans to work as a consultant.

“(I) will be volunteering my time with Special Olympics and may doing a little swim coaching,” he said.

For the next few months, Latham will be working with Police Chief Chris Conrad, who will serve in an interim capacity after Latham’s retirement until the next local election takes place in April 2021, at which time the newly elected council will hire a permanent city manager to replace Latham.