This longtime versatile administrator will be Topeka's new assistant city manager

Topeka has a new assistant city manager, but he should be a familiar face to many.

Braxton Copley will serve the role for Topeka after 19 years in previous positions.

“Braxton has done an incredible job as the director of public works and we are confident he will excel in his new role as assistant city manager,” city manager Robert Perez said in a written statement.

Who is Braxton Copley?

Copley joined Topeka's city attorney's office in 2000 and over the next 12 years served in such position as assistant city attorney, interim city attorney, and utilities and transportation director. He left in 2012 to join the private sector.

He returned as deputy director of utilities in 2017, then served interim director of utilities in 2020 and director of utilities in 2021. Copley was promoted to public works director in October 2022.

"Copley’s leadership in the Public Works Department has been instrumental in advancing the city’s infrastructure," said Daniel Garrett, director of communications, in a written statement.

Copley got his bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and a juris doctor from the University of Kansas. Copley also has multiple nationally recognized certifications.

What is the role of an assistant city manager?

While serving as the new assistant city manager, Copley will fill in the role of public works director until a replacement can be found. Copley will oversee infrastructure and development departments.

The city still plans to hire a deputy city manager, according to the written statement. Copley's hiring and the hiring of the deputy city manager are under Perez's purview.

How much will Topeka's assistant city manager be paid?

Copley's annual salary will be $200,000 a year, Garrett said.

His start date was Aug. 3.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: This longtime versatile administrator will be Topeka's new assistant city manager