STURGIS – After serving as Sturgis City Manager for 11 years, Daniel Ainslie is leaving city employment.

The Sturgis City Council reluctantly accepted his letter giving notice following Monday night’s Sturgis City Council meeting.

Ainslie’s departure comes just over one year from the date the Sturgis City Council affirmed its support of the city manager position.

Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen believes the city has come a long way since it hired Ainslie and wouldn’t be on such solid footing moving forward if that had not happened.

“During his time as city manager, Daniel has stabilized the community’s finances, led the charge to add and rehabilitate significant infrastructure as well as spearheaded residential and commercial growth. We will be hard pressed to replace him,” Carstensen said.

Ainslie also has greatly enhanced the city’s profits from the annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Ainslie said his departure is bittersweet.

In a message to staff, Ainslie said each day he is humbled by the dedication and passion of city staff in serving the people of Sturgis and working to improve their quality of life.

“I want each of you to know how greatly I have appreciated working with you over the past 11 years,” Ainslie said. “The tremendous progress our community has made was only possible because of your heart, professionalism and devotion to this town.  The residents of Sturgis are blessed to have you as their public servants.”

Ainslie has taken a new job as the Director of Finance for the city of Rapid City. He said he planned to meet with the mayor and council to define a transition plan that will be the least disruptive possible.  

Ainslie came to Sturgis in 2011 from Merced, Calif., where he worked as a Development Manager for the city for seven years.  He has a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in social science and history.

“In the numerous places I have been able to work, I have never seen such a positive, dedicated and determined group of public servants.  Thank you for all you have done and all that you continue to do for all of the residents of Sturgis,” he wrote to city staff.

Carstensen said the mayor and council will take some time to assess the path forward in replacing Ainslie.