Bogdala announced Patton's selection on Oct. 14. The Common Council is set to consider confirmation on Monday, Oct. 19, and if approved Patton would succeed retiring administrator John Morrissey on Jan. 1, 2027.
The search began after Morrissey announced his retirement in July. The posting listed a salary range of $168,492 to $251,184, and candidates went through internal and external interview panels.
Patton, 43, said he would not have applied under a mayor whose priorities he did not share. He said trust built while Bogdala served as an alderman and then as mayor shaped his decision.
He joined the Kenosha Police Department in 2006 after serving in the Marine Corps from 2001 to 2009, and rose through patrol, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain before becoming the city's youngest chief in 2023.
Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal has taken on acting chief duties and agreed to delay retirement during the transition. Patton credited department staff with recent changes that included a drone first-responder program and updated body-camera technology.
