City of Des Moines Announces Changes to City Administration Leadership

Des Moines, Iowa - Friday, July 31, 2026 - Following Deputy City Manager Matt Anderson's retirement announcement, Des Moines City Manager Scott Sanders will move to appoint Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte to the city administration's second-in-command position.

Jen Schulte has served the City Manager's Office for over a decade and has experience in policy, government relations, communications, and human resources. In her tenure with the City of Des Moines, Schulte has worked at the director and assistant city manager level, overseeing many of the city's departments in roles requiring a breadth of knowledge of all city functions and services. Jen has played a critical role in the city's short- and long-term strategic planning, led communications and resident engagement through unprecedented circumstances, and has worked extensively with the local, state and federal governments. Schulte will be the city's first female Deputy City Manager.

"Over the past ten years, Jen Schulte has exemplified what it means to be a leader in our community," City Manager Scott Sanders said in announcing his appointment. "She is incredibly passionate about the success of our city and residents, and utilizes her wide skill set and extensive network to solve problems and keep Des Moines moving forward."

Given the $12 million budget deficit, Sanders has determined that the vacancy created by Schulte's promotion will not be filled.

Pending an affirmative vote of the Des Moines City Council on Monday, August 3, 2026, Jen Schulte will assume her position as Deputy City Manager in Fall 2026. Matt Anderson will officially retire from the City of Des Moines in January 2027.

Contact
Peter Zemansky
Communications Manager, City Manager's Office
(515) 210-6586
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city, and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.
Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety, and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

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