The City Manager is the City's Chief Executive and is responsible for the implementation of the City Council's policies and priorities. This is accomplished by coordinating the official business of the City Council and by providing leadership and direction to the entire organization.

The list of individuals that have served the City of Janesville as City Manager is as follows:

Henry Traxler
September 15, 1923 - April 15, 1951

Warren C. Hyde
September 1, 1951 - April 30, 1955

George Forster
September 16, 1955 - December 31, 1956

Joseph Lustig
May 1, 1957 - February 28, 1967

Karl A. Samek
September 21, 1967 - January 14, 1971

Robert O. Bailey
January 15, 1971 - October 31, 1975

Philip L. Deaton
March 15, 1976 - September 26, 1986

Steven E. Sheiffer
May 4, 1987 - September 5, 2008

Eric Levitt
December 16, 2008 - May 7, 2013

Mark Freitag
December 1, 2013 - October 21, 2022

Kevin Lahner
May 8, 2023 - Present

Please note:
*Joseph Lustig and Karl Samek served as Acting City Manager and later were appointed City Manager. 
*Jerold P. Franke served as Acting City Manager from September 29, 1986, to May 3, 1987.
*Jacob J. Winzenz served as Acting City Manager from September 6, 2008, to December 15, 2008.
*Jacob J. Winzenz served as Acting City Manager from May 8, 2013, to November 30, 2013.

*David J. Moore served as Acting City Manager from October 24, 2022, to May 7, 2023.