John Carder, former Iola mayor and businessman, retired in December as city manager at Hesston, but he won’t be settling into a rocking chair.
Carder, 70, was city administrator at Hesston for about 15 years, after a six-year stint in Herington. When GVL Poly, a plastics manufacturer, opens a new 50,000-square-foot plant at the edge of Hesston this year, Carder will be its manager. The plant will hire about 55.
A native of Chanute, Carder stepped into the family fuel and convenience store business after earning a degree in psychology at the University of Kansas. He had two stores in Iola, one in Chanute and several others in the area.
He was elected to the first of three three-year terms as Iola mayor in 1980.
When he and wife Jane, the former Jane Clements, Humboldt, decided to sell their businesses, Carder turned to city administration at Herington.
“It was a natural fit since I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and rewards of public service,” he told the Hesston Record. “My background as a small business owner has made me service-oriented, always treating residents as customers.”
Carder said he was looking forward to challenges in private business again, after having been in public life as a mayor and city manager for about 30 years.
Former Iola mayor still active – Carder takes on new role with company
