After 19 years serving as Abilene City Clerk and Human Resource Director, Penny Soukup is retiring.
“I can’t say enough great things about Penny and her dedication to the City of Abilene over the years. In my six years with the City, Penny has always been the rock that held our administrative team together,” said Marcus Rothchild, Interim City Manager and Finance Director. “Penny will be greatly missed, but we all wish her the very best in retirement. She has definitely earned it!”
As City Clerk, Soukup maintained and controlled all municipal, fiscal, and legal records, and served as the official custodian of all municipal documents. And as Human Resource Director, she oversaw more than 60 full-time equivalent employees, more than 30 part-time equivalent employees, and 40-50 seasonal employees, while managing a $5 million employee pay and benefits plan.
“Penny is an incredible leader with a wealth of knowledge. Her service to the City of Abilene and City Commission is commendable,” said Brandon Rein, Mayor. “I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to work with Penny during my time of service with the City of Abilene.”
Before moving to Abilene, Soukup worked for the City of Salina for 8 years in the office of the City Manager as well as the City Clerk’s office and Finance Department. After moving to Abilene, she worked at Hettenbach and Langdon as an accounting bookkeeper as well as Abilene High School as a Para-Professional. She began her tenure with the City of Abilene in June of 2002.
During her tenure, Soukup also served multiple appointments as Interim City Manager.
Soukup’s last day with the City of Abilene will be Friday, June 4 and friends acknowledge this has been her planned retirement date for more than 15 years. She looks forward to spending more time with her parents, daughters, and grandchildren, reading, and traveling.
The City of Abilene encourages residents to sends cards of thanks to Penny at PO Box 519 Abilene, KS 67410 or share comments of appreciation on the City of Abilene’s Facebook Page @CityofAbileneKansas.
