Oro Valley Town Council appoints Jeff Wilkins as next town manager
Published on April 20, 2023
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (April 19, 2023) – At its April 19 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council appointed Jeff Wilkins for the position of town manager. Mr. Wilkins has worked in local government for 27 years serving communities in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. To learn more, please see the “About Jeff Wilkins” section below. Wilkins will begin his tenure with the Town by July 1, 2023; his official start date will be announced at a later time.
“We look forward to welcoming Jeff Wilkins as our new town manager,” said Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield. “His wealth of knowledge and depth of experience in local government will help Oro Valley continue to thrive. My fellow councilmembers and I are confident in this decision, and we look forward to this next chapter of leadership in our community.”
"I am humbled by being selected by the Town Council,” said Wilkins. “Everyone I've met has been very gracious and proud of Oro Valley. I believe Oro Valley is a community of excellence, and I look forward to working with the Town Council, staff, and citizens to ensure Oro Valley continues to be a great community to live, work and play."
The Town of Oro Valley has been working with the consulting firm Ralph Andersen & Associates to recruit qualified town manager candidates since September 2022, following the departure of former Town Manager Mary Jacobs. Chris Cornelison, the deputy town manager at the time, was appointed to serve as interim town manager. Cornelison will resume his position as deputy town manager when Wilkins begins his tenure.
About Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins has dedicated his career to local government for 27 years. He proudly served communities in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio in roles as County Administrator, City Manager, Assistant Town Manager and Director of Administration and Treasurer. He served communities during fast growth, slow growth, and redevelopment. All positions required his leadership in strategic planning, intergovernmental relations, economic development, capital planning, budget and finance, team building and HR/staff development.
His long tenure of 15 years as County Administrator of Kendall County, Illinois (40 miles southwest of Chicago) was when the county had the fastest growth rate per the US Census Bureau. His service required leadership, collaboration, and financial planning from initial concept through successful implementation for strategic projects such as a courthouse expansion, jail expansion and new health department facility. He is especially proud of his leadership of Kendall Area Transit - the county’s first public transportation system serving the entire county with 12 incorporated cities.
Wilkins strives to build teams and collaboration for internal and community initiatives. His teams plan together for goals and celebrate together when accomplished. Wilkins earned his master’s degree from Indiana University and bachelor’s degree from DePauw University. Wilkins and his wife, Gina, are proud parents of two children, and they enjoy time with their two rescue dogs and rescue cat.