Cornelison named Interim Town Manager, "40 under 40" award recipient

Published on November 08, 2022

Assistant Town Manager Chris Cornelison Profile Photo

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 8, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that Interim Town Manager, Chris Cornelison, has recently been named one of the “40 Under 40” award recipients for 2022.

Presented by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Daily Star, the “40 under 40” award recognizes and celebrates young professionals for their leadership and community involvement. Cornelison will be recognized during the “40 under 40” Award breakfast on Tuesday, December 6.

Cornelison has served the Town of Oro Valley for the past 10 years, with the past six in the capacity of Assistant/Deputy Town Manager. During the November 2, Town Council Meeting, he was appointed Interim Town Manager.

As Interim Town Manager, Cornelison is responsible for the non-public safety operational departments and services, including streets maintenance, transit, fleet and facility maintenance, engineering, economic development, planning and permitting, capital improvement project planning, stormwater, water, administrative services (HR, IT, finance and legal services), intergovernmental relations, marketing and public affairs. During COVID in 2020, Cornelison led the $1 million OVSafeSteps business assistance program, helping more than 200 local businesses receive financial and marketing assistance.

Cornelison is an active member of the International City/County Manager’s Association (ICMA), through which he is in the process of applying to become a Credentialed Manager Candidate. He is also a member of the Arizona City/County Manager’s Association (ACMA) and serves as a member of the Community Advisory Board for the University of Arizona School of Government and Public Policy, while also serving as a Professional Advisor for the University of Arizona ICMA Student Chapter.

Cornelison earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, with a double major in Criminal Justice and Management and Public Policy. He subsequently earned a Master of Public Administration, with a dual focus in Finance and Local Government. Cornelison lives in Oro Valley with his wife, Bernadette, and their two small children ages one and four.