The City of Mount Pleasant is mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of longtime City Administrator Brent Schleisman, who served the community for more than 30 years. His leadership and commitment to public service helped guide the city through decades of growth, change, and challenge.
As City Administrator, Schleisman worked closely with the mayor and City Council to carry out policies and programs enacted by elected officials. He directed and coordinated the work of city departments and employees to ensure city services were delivered efficiently and effectively. His responsibilities included overseeing major projects, managing city finances, and developing the information needed for informed decision-making by city leadership.
Schleisman worked with many of the same City Council members over long periods of time, some serving alongside him for much of his tenure. That continuity fostered strong collaboration, institutional knowledge, and stability within city government.
The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce acknowledged Schleisman’s role as a visionary leader whose work continues to shape the community. He was instrumental in projects such as East Lake Park, the West Gate area, the downtown Clock Tower Corner, the Crossroads Industrial Park and the renovation of the the former Mount Pleasant High School a building that now houses the City offices, Mount Pleasant Public Library and the Heatilator Performing Arts Center.
Through close collaboration with partners such as Main Street Mount Pleasant, the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, the Mount Pleasant Area Development Commission, and Henry County, Schleisman helped build partnerships that fostered growth and development across the region.
He was known for his careful stewardship of public resources and his ability to find practical solutions during challenging times. His approach to leadership emphasized resilience, adaptability, and moving forward even in moments of loss or difficulty.
In 2021, following the sudden passing of longtime City Clerk Florence Olomon, Schleisman spoke openly about how deeply the loss was felt within City Hall. He acknowledged the difficulty of losing a colleague, while emphasizing the importance of supporting one another and continuing forward together. Those words reflected not only his leadership style, but also his care for the people behind the work, and now stand as a fitting reminder of the values he carried throughout his career.
Schleisman’s passing marks the second significant loss at City Hall in the past five years, a reality that has been deeply felt by city staff and leadership. His absence leaves a notable void, both professionally and personally, within the organization he helped guide for more than a generation.
Mount Pleasant will continue to see his legacy in the city he helped build and maintain through decades of service. Information regarding services or memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available.