Hannibal City Manager Lisa Peck chosen as city manager of Salem, Ill. for term beginning June 2

HANNIBAL — Hannibal City Manager Lisa Peck has been chosen as the new city manager of Salem, Ill., according to a news release published by the City of Salem Wednesday afternoon.

The release stated Peck had been chosen from a “diverse pool of candidates” after a “nationwide recruitment process that included professional background evaluations, leadership assessments, and interviews.”

“Throughout the process (of recruiting a new city manager), Peck distinguished herself as a collaborative leader with a vision for Salem’s continued economic development and infrastructure improvements,” the news release said.

Peck was quoted in the release describing Salem as “a vibrant community with tremendous potential.” The town of 7,056 residents is located roughly three hours and fifteen minutes southeast of Hannibal.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Salem’s next City Manager… I am eager to work with the Mayor, City Council, staff, and residents to build upon the city’s successes and move forward together,” she said.

Peck was selected and sworn in as Hannibal’s city manager in 2019. Her position with the city has garnered criticisms from some of the city’s constituents, most notably 2nd Ward Council Member candidate April Azotea, who has questioned Peck’s performance at recent Hannibal City Council meetings.

Azotea claimed Peck and former City Clerk Angel Zerbonia made false allegations against former 3rd Ward Council Member Stephan Franke that he had grabbed their arms “in a non-consensual manner,” causing pain to Peck. The allegations led to impeachment proceedings against Franke in Jan. 2022 that were later deemed by a judge to have violated his constitutional right of due process.

In a July 2022 press release, Franke said he looked forward to returning to council to bring more transparency and accountability to the offices of Zerbonia and Peck.

The impeachment charges were dismissed with prejudice by John Jackson in June 2023 on the grounds that the city had willfully failed to comply with the rules of criminal procedure. Zerbonia’s term as city clerk was terminated by the Hannibal City Council that same month.

Peck could not be reached for comment Wednesday night. Mayor Barry Louderman said he has no comment at this time.

The release states Peck’s new position will begin June 2.