Willmar City Administrator Leslie Valiant has received a critical performance evaluation from the Willmar City Council, highlighting concerns about her interpersonal skills. Following a closed session on September 15, 2025, the council granted Valiant a six-month period to improve these competencies.
During a subsequent council meeting, Mayor Doug Reese summarized Valiant’s evaluation, stating, “City Administrator Valiant has strong technical skills in their job and applies them well to find solutions to issues facing the city.” He emphasized the need for her to enhance her interpersonal skills and prioritize the completion of established performance goals within the next six months.
This evaluation marks a significant departure from Valiant’s previous assessments since she assumed the role in 2021. In past evaluations, including a six-month review in February 2022, a one-year review in September 2022, and an annual evaluation in 2023, she received positive feedback and salary increases after each assessment. Notably, there was no performance review conducted in 2024.
Valiant currently earns an annual salary of $178,588.80, which reflects raises following her previous evaluations, including a cost-of-living adjustment. Her salary increased from $166,400 to $171,392 after her 2023 evaluation.
In response to her recent evaluation, Valiant expressed her commitment to improving her interpersonal skills and fostering positive relationships with city staff, council members, and community partners. She stated via email that she has diligently worked towards goals set by the council, which include developing a balanced budget, a comprehensive plan, and five- and ten-year capital improvement plans.
“I am committed to prioritizing the completion of our agreed-upon performance goals over the next six months, ensuring that measurable progress is achieved in each area identified by the Council,” Valiant said. She emphasized her dedication to supporting the city’s vision and maintaining the trust of residents and governing bodies.
Valiant also highlighted the vibrancy and diversity of Willmar, expressing pride in contributing to an inclusive environment. “It is a privilege to serve such a dynamic city, and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens, staff, and Council of Willmar with dedication and integrity,” she remarked.
She acknowledged the ongoing support from the City Council, which has facilitated her personal and professional growth through continued leadership training.
Valiant began her tenure as city administrator in Willmar in 2021, following a successful period as the city administrator in Spicer since April 2009. Her earlier career included roles as a finance technician for the city of St. Joseph and as a senior accounts clerk for Litchfield Public Utilities.
The council previously recognized Valiant’s strong leadership in 2022 under then-mayor Marv Calvin. During that evaluation, the council noted her significant contributions to improving city operations and fostering a positive culture within the city organization. In 2023, her communication and decisiveness were praised, with council members commending her progress in engaging with the public and addressing their concerns.
As Valiant enters this six-month improvement period, the focus will be on her ability to enhance interpersonal skills and fulfill the performance goals set by the council, which will be crucial for her future evaluations and continued leadership in Willmar.
