07-05-2025
Decatur's new communications manager leaves after one week
May 7—Decatur's communication manager, Samantha Magnuson, stayed one week in her new job before returning to her former job, Mayor Tab Bowling confirmed Wednesday morning.
Bowling said Magnuson decided to go back to her former position as the city of Madison's communications manager. He would not comment on why she chose to leave Decatur.
The mayor said there "really wasn't a second choice" behind Magnuson during the selection process.
"We have to have someone," Bowling said. "I may look at hiring someone on a contract basis."
Decatur has been without a communications/public relations person since 2022 when Emily Stewart left after five years for another job.
The city employed Steve Garner's Do It With You marketing company on contract to handle its social media needs. It also had a contract with Ellen Didier's Red Sage Communications for the "Positively Decatur" social media campaign.
In December, the City Council upgraded the communications liaison to a manager-level position and increased the salary.
Magnuson was hired at a salary of $94,713 per year.
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