Eric Atkinson is the current City Administrator for the City of Menomonie, a role he has held since 2023. Before this, he completed a twenty-five-year career in law enforcement, serving as the Police Chief for the City of Menomonie for twelve years. In addition to his public service, Eric was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and the University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic University, where he taught courses on deviant behavior and law enforcement policy. He is also a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops throughout the United States, where he shares his insights on harm reduction, community collaboration, and community policing strategies. Before embarking on a public service career, he was a private investigator for a corporation in St. Paul, Minnesota.
In addition to his work experience, Eric has a varied educational background. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a Master of Arts Degree from the University of St. Thomas. Eric is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety’s Police School of Staff and Command and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Series.
His professional endeavors do not solely define Eric's life. He finds joy in his personal life, residing in Menomonie with his wife and two children. His hobbies, including golf, reading, writing, taking educational classes, calligraphy, and coaching, reflect his diverse interests and commitment to maintaining a balanced life.