Village Administrator Jeff Wold Resigns; Marc Nelson Appointed Interim

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 4, 2025

Article Summary: Manhattan Village Administrator Jeff Wold announced his resignation on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to return to a career in law enforcement, prompting the Village Board to appoint long-time Community Development Director Marc Nelson as the interim administrator.

Manhattan Leadership Change Key Points:

• Jeff Wold, who served as Village Administrator for 18 months after a three-year tenure as Police Chief, is leaving to become a police chief in another community.

• The Village Board praised Wold for his leadership in both roles, highlighting accomplishments like the school resource officer and K-9 programs.

• Community Development Director Marc Nelson, the village’s longest-serving department head, was unanimously appointed as Interim Village Administrator.

• Wold has offered to assist Nelson during the transition to ensure village projects continue without interruption.

MANHATTAN, IL – The Village of Manhattan will see a change in its top administrative post after Village Administrator Jeff Wold submitted his resignation to the board on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Wold, who previously served as the village’s police chief, is returning to his career in law enforcement.

Immediately following the acceptance of his resignation, the board unanimously appointed Marc Nelson, the village’s Community Development Director and longest-serving department head, to step in as Interim Village Administrator.

Wold was hired as Manhattan’s Chief of Police in August 2021 and served in that role until June 2024, when he was asked to become the Village Administrator. His 18-month tenure in that position followed a nearly 30-year career in policing.

In a heartfelt farewell speech, Wold thanked the village staff, board, and residents. “To the residents of Manhattan, you guys certainly are the heart of the village,” he said. “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me into the community. I had a blast hanging out with you at Irish Fest, October Fest, the Labor Day party, the parades… I learned more about the village of Manhattan at those events than I did any day here at the Village Hall.”

He highlighted several accomplishments from his time as chief, including the establishment of the school resource officer program, the K-9 program featuring Apollo, and a revived truck enforcement program. “I’m going to go back to being a police chief in another community. But I’ll always have Manhattan in my heart. I love it here,” Wold concluded.

Mayor Mike Adrieansen and the board expressed their gratitude for Wold’s service. “I think he did a great job in both positions,” Adrieansen said. “Jeff, you know, thank you for your dedication and commitment to Manhattan. We all wish you the best of luck in future endeavors.”

Trustee Justin Young praised Wold’s impact. “It’s been absolutely a pleasure. From when we hired you as the police chief, things were turned around here pretty quickly,” Young stated. “Things have always run smooth with your leadership… I’m forever grateful. I know the residents are as well.”

In appointing Nelson, Mayor Adrieansen noted his deep experience and knowledge of village operations. “Marc is our director of the development and our longest-serving department head,” Adrieansen said. “Mark does a great job, very knowledgeable about the village projects and duties of the staff members.” Nelson has previously served as interim administrator on several occasions.

Wold assured the board he would work with Nelson to ensure a smooth transition and maintain momentum on ongoing village projects.