Aug. 13, 2026
By Tim Hundt
VIROQUA Wis. – The Viroqua Common Council has finalized the hiring of Julie Emslie as the city’s next city administrator, ending an executive search to find a replacement for former administrator Nate Torres.
Emslie, who has worked in economic and community development for over 16 years, is scheduled to assume her new municipal role on Sept. 15. The hiring represents a homecoming of sorts for Emslie, who moved to Viroqua with her family in 2016 after spending several years in Alaska.
Emslie explained that her family originally chose Viroqua to establish deep connections within the community.
“We were in search of community and a place to put roots down and raise our kids,” said Emslie. “It was a big leap from Alaska, and over the past ten years, we have never questioned our decision to call Viroqua home.”
Prior to her appointment in Viroqua, Emslie served for five years as the economic development administrator for the City of La Crosse. In La Crosse, she spearheaded major initiatives that added hundreds of homes across all affordability levels, redeveloped blighted properties, and substantively reduced local childcare waitlists. Her professional background also includes five years as the southwest program manager for the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation and four years as a project manager for the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation in Alaska. Emslie holds a master’s degree in rural development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which she earned through the Peace Corps Masters International program while serving for two years in Jamaica.
Emslie has remained highly active in local Viroqua organizations, serving as the chair of the Viroqua Area Montessori School Governance Council, a commissioner for the Viroqua Business Park, and a volunteer for the Vernon County Teen Court.
The city administrator post became vacant after former administrator Nate Torres resigned to accept a county leadership role as the Vernon County administrative coordinator, succeeding Cassandra Hanan. Torres had served as Viroqua’s top official since 2019, guiding the city through a period of substantial municipal growth and infrastructure development.
The search for his replacement sparked early debate among council members over whether the city should conduct an in house search or hire a professional firm to conduct a wider search.
Alderperson Kyle Bartelt suggested that Viroqua could leverage its own local appeal to recruit candidates and save money on the executive search.
“Could we try it at first ourselves, and then if we’re not getting enough reach we could consider using a firm, because 15k is not a ton of money, but if we’re trying to land a candidate that we’re excited about we could use some of that as a signing bonus. Just another thing to consider,” said Bartelt. “But all that to say, I feel like Viroqua markets itself a little bit, and maybe there’s someone already here who would be interested in the role. But if we can get the reach out ourselves, you know, Viroqua is a special place.”
Alderperson Cyndy Hubbard disagreed, arguing that a professional recruitment firm was necessary to secure a broader and more diverse pool of qualified applicants.
“My opinion is we should do the hire the firm, because I would here when we went through, and so was John (Alderperson John Thompson),” said Hubbard. “I just think our chances of making a wiser decision or a broader audience with applications, that would be my vote.”
Alderperson Todd Spaeth agreed that an outside firm was necessary, noting that a professional search would allow Torres to focus on his remaining duties.
“I think a lot of Nate’s time would be spent dealing with that versus more important things,” said Spaeth. “So I fully agree with the hiring outside firm.”
The council ultimately voted to hire the professional recruitment firm Public Administration Associates for a fee of $15,750. The firm interviewed department heads and city staff to establish the ideal job description before launching a search that yielded 14 applicants.
The search committee narrowed the pool to seven semifinalists, a group that Mayor Krista Browne described as exceptionally strong and diverse.
“We narrowed that pool down to seven candidates, some of which are local, some of which are out of state,” said Browne. “There is a wide range of of people and skill sets and backgrounds and experience, and we have a strong pool and we have choices to make.”
The search culminated in early to mid August with a two day assessment that included city tours, formal interviews, and a public meet and greet, ultimately leading to Emslie’s selection.
To fund the recruitment service, Torres proposed splitting the $15,750 cost between the general fund and Viroqua’s utility departments, with the city’s portion coming from unbudgeted investment revenue.
“My position is paid for 40 percent by the utilities, so it makes sense that approximately 40 percent of the cost for recruitment would come from the utilities,” said Torres. “I don’t think we’re in a position this year, based on the first quarter financials, where we can try to skim off the top of any of the departments at this point, because we’re already having concerns over gas and utilities in particular.”
The executive transition also required careful planning for the interim period, as Viroqua operated without a top administrator during the busy summer construction season. Department heads and city staff stepped up to manage daily operations, while Torres agreed to work part time to help draft the 2027 budget and complete the city’s capital improvement plan.
A statement from the city about the hiring states “The Mayor, City Council, department heads, and city staff are excited about the addition of Julie Emslie as the new city administrator. She brings experience, passion, and community pride to this role. We look forward to our work and service together in the future as we grow forward.”
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