Geoffrey Fruin was recently hired as the new assistant to the city manager, Iowa City officials have announced in a press release. Fruin will begin in the position Nov. 28,

Fruin resides in Normal, Ill., where he most recently served as assistant city manager. Through his position, he participated in business-district revitalization efforts, increasing public/private partnerships, and passenger rail service projects, according to the release.

He is also a University of Iowa alum who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Fruin will follow Dale Helling, who will retire at the end of November. Helling has held the position since August 1978.

— by Alison Sullivan