Mayor of Litchfield Park, Thomas L. Schoaf
[Submitted photo]
Matthew Williams was working on a bachelor’s degree in history and political science at North Georgia College when he chose to pursue a career in urban management, but his passion for community service was fueled much earlier.
As a child, Litchfield Park’s new city manager often accompanied his grandfather to town hall in his Georgia hometown.
“I’ve always enjoyed government and politics”
Mr Williams said during a recent interview in his office in Litchfield Park City Hall.
Making the rounds with his grandfather taught him that building and nurturing relationships with those you serve and those you lead is key.
“This is how you do things,” he said. “It’s amazing what you can do if you just ask.”
READ: Who is Matthew Williams? Meet the man behind the desk
Upon graduating from college in 2007, Mr. Williams attended Auburn University and earned a Masters in Public Administration in 2011.
After three years as director of economic development in LaFayette, Georgia, Mr. Williams and his wife Laura traveled to Arizona, where two years prior he served as Community Services Manager for the city of Pinetop-Lakeside, Navajo County, where he was appointed city administrator for the city of Huachuca in the County of Cochise.
He joined Litchfield Park City staff in December 2019 as Assistant City Manager / Community Services Director.
After city manager Bill Stephens announced his resignation last fall, city council appointed Mr. Williams to take on the position of interim city manager from January 4, while he decided how he would fill the position.
It was less than two months before Litchfield Park City Council decided to remove the “interim period”
his title and appoints the 37-year-old permanently to the position.
That surprised Mr Williams, who said he did not expect his probationary period at the helm of the city’s 54 staff to lead to a permanent appointment so quickly.
But it came as no surprise to the councilors watching Mr. Williams
Action since joining the staff and knowing well his reputation for getting things done.
“He’s an impressive young man,” said Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf during a telephone interview. “When our former city manager Bill was here, he went through an enormous screening process to find and hire Matthew. We were very lucky to hire him. “
Prior to joining Litchfield Park, Mr. Williams was the city administrator of Huachuca City, Cochise County, where he was assisted in avoiding bankruptcy, according to articles in the city’s Sierra Vista Herald Review.
“It wasn’t easy,” recalled Mr. Williams. “On the fourth day I was told they were four months from bankruptcy.”
To avert the financial crisis, he made a number of immediate changes, including increasing water and sewage rates by 57% and 81%, respectively.
This type of drive was very well received by the mayor and council.
“He showed tremendous leadership among the city’s staff,” said Mayor Schoaf. “He understands who we are, why our residents live in Litchfield Park. I think he has all the tools to guide us. “
“I am very happy that the council had their confidence in me,” said Mr. Williams, returning the compliment. “We are very happy to have the advice we have here. You are very knowledgeable. “
Mr. Williams said he and his wife Laura are looking forward to buying a house and moving to Litchfield Park with their 18-month-old son Jack von Waddell.
“I love the idea that my son will be half a mile down the street,” he said, calling Litchfield Park “one of the best cities in the state.”
Kelly O’Sullivan can be reached at [email protected] or 760-963-1697.
Kelly O’Sullivan
News Editor | Litchfield Park
& Goodyear | [email protected]
Kelly O’Sullivan is a longtime journalist who joined Independent Newsmedia in January 2020 after returning to the Valley from Twentynine Palms, California, where she worked for the U.S. Marine Corps as a communications specialist for eight years. When not reporting on stories of interest to Litchfield Park, Goodyear, and other Southwest Valley residents, she is busy rediscovering Arizona and photographing its spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia
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