James “Jim” Arndt has served in local government for more than 23 years. Jim recently served as the City Manager for Paducah Kentucky. Prior to becoming Paducah’s City Manager, he served eight years as the City Administrator of Effingham, Illinois.  He also has been the Administrator for the City of St. Clair, Missouri and the Village of Union City, Ohio.  Before entering the realm of city management, Arndt served six years as a police officer in Mattoon, IL.

Arndt is a military veteran, serving three years in the United States Army.  During his military career, Arndt spent time in Germany, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Arndt holds a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science concentrating in public administration and public policy and a bachelor’s degree in General Studies, both from Eastern Illinois University.  Arndt holds an associate degree in Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Lake Land Community College. He is an International City/County Management Association Credentialed City Manager (ICMA-CM) and a graduate of the University of Missouri Leadership Academy and the Midwest Leadership Institute.

Arndt currently serves on the Midwest Leadership Institute Advisory Committee and previously served as the Illinois City and County Managers Association Downstate President, the Chairperson for the Illinois Municipal League City Manager’s Committee, and the Eastern Illinois University Graduate School Alumni Advisory Committee.

Arndt is married to his wife Kim and they both reside in Charleston, Illinois. Arndt has two adult children, one daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Arndt was recently recognized as a “Duke” of Paducah, Kentucky for his contributions to the City while he was employed as the City Manager.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

• MA, Political Science – Eastern Illinois University
• BA, General Studies – Eastern Illinois University
• AA, Applied Science in Law Enforcement – Lake Land Community College
• Credentialed Manager – ICMA

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• Illinois City and County Managers Association
• Illinois Municipal League
• Eastern Illinois University Graduate School Alumni Advisory Committee

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

• Chief Executive Officer – Arndt Municipal Support, Inc.
• City Manager – Paducah, KY
• City Administrator – Effingham, IL
• City Administrator – St. Clair, MO
• Village Administrator – Union City, OH
• Police Officer – Mattoon, IL