Manhattan Police Chief Shifts Into Vacant Village Administrator Role

MANHATTAN, IL — It's a bit of administrative shuffling in the Village of Manhattan, following the resignation of Village Administrator Nick Palmer effective June 6.

Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold has been tapped to replace Palmer, following board action at a meeting held Tuesday evening. Marc Nelson, Community Development Director, has been serving as interim Village Administrator since May 7.

Wold has served as police chief since August 2021 and has 27 years of police experience. He most recently completed a special training course at the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) National Command Course (NCC) in Quantico, VA. During his tenure, the police department was also recognized for its excellence in law enforcement policy management by Lexipol, a national agency serving more than 2 million public safety and government professionals. Prior to his time in Manhattan, Wold served in the Village of Channahon.

Wold will be replaced as police chief by Commander Ryan Gulli, who was also hired in 2021. Gulli previously worked for the Village of Midlothian.

"I am glad we have two qualified individuals already working for the Village capable of filling these positions. I am confident they will be an asset to the Village of Manhattan," said Mayor Mike Adrieansen.

Both have significant police experience; Wold also filled in as Channahon's Interim Village Administrator for several months while also serving as police chief.

"I am excited to get started as the Village Administrator and assist Mayor Adrieansen and the Village Trustees with their plans to improve the Village and continue to make Manhattan a great place to live, work, or visit," Wold said.

Commander Gulli supervised patrol, investigations, and served as Manhattan's K9 Officer. Gulli states he is up to the challenge and looks forward to the opportunity.