By Rapids City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Tom Loucks has left his position as the city of Wisconsin Rapids Community Media Department coordinator to take a position with the city of Marshfield.

Loucks began his position in the newly created Communications Department in Marshfield on Jan. 14, where he will be building on existing forms of communication.

“I will be working closely with the city administrator, mayor and department heads on developing new methods and updating current methods in order to communicate effectively to the residents in the city,” he said. “Providing information to the public is key for the residents to be engaged in the community, which will make the city be more efficient. There are numerous ways to communicate so it’s imperative I work closely with leaders in the Marshfield community.”

Mayor Zach Vruwink said that Loucks was a valuable asset to the community during his tenure.

“Tom’s tenure with the City brought about a number of improvements – most notably the modernization of the Public Access station,” Mayor Vruwink said. “He was able to execute on our priority to reach our residents in more ways than just TV – social media, website to name a few. He definitely made a positive difference in how people get local information.”

The city is now working on recruitment for Louck’s position.

“As with every vacancy we consider restructuring opportunities and those will be considered now and throughout recruitment,” added the mayor. “We have a very progressive Public Access or now better known as Community Media and we will work to ensure there isn’t a duplication of efforts and we’re working with all the partners possible to deliver information to our residents.”

Tom and his wife, Angie, the marketing/communications and volunteer center director with the United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, will continue to reside in the Plover area with their two daughters, Hannah and Rachel.

Loucks says that he is looking forward to building communications in Marshfield, but will miss the network he has formed in Wisconsin Rapids.

“I can’t wait to make a positive impact for the city, which I did in Wisconsin Rapids on a daily basis,” he said. “It’s hard to leave all the connections I’ve made in Wisconsin Rapids but I will get the chance to do it all again in Marshfield.”