Funkey starts as assistant city administrator in Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. — A longtime Hastings leader is now serving the city in a new role.

Mark Funkey started as assistant city administrator on Monday. He previously worked at Central Community College from 2008 until January 2023. He served as Associate Dean of Instruction for the Grand Island and Hastings campuses in his final two years before moving to Virginia to become Vice President of Workforce Services at Danville Community College.

“I have enjoyed meeting staff, getting up to speed on City initiatives and learning how I can help move things forward,” Funkey said in a statement.

Assistant city administrator is a new position under City Administrator Shawn Metcalf. A news release says Funkey will have oversight of the Hastings Museum; Hastings Public Library; Information Technology; Hastings Parks and Recreation; Public Information; and Safety and Maintenance departments

“It was imperative to find someone who had the right knowledge, skills, and abilities; someone who exhibited servant leadership, authenticity, transparency, and integrity,” Metcalf said. “Last but not least, we needed a great communicator who could garner the trust of our City Council, department heads, businesses, community partners, staff, and residents. Mark checked all the boxes.”

Funkey has extensive experience with local organizations. He has been president or chair of the Hastings Museum Board, Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Board and the board for the United Way of South Central Nebraska.

Funkey and his wife, Beth, are part-owners of What the Dickens bakery in downtown Hastings. The couple has three children, one granddaughter and one grandson.