Our dedicated Chief Administrative Officer, Wayne Parker, has announced that he will be retiring on September 16 after twenty remarkable years of service to our beloved city. For those of you who don’t know Wayne personally, he has been a steady hand guiding our beloved city through seasons of growth and development. He has served Provo alongside three mayors, 33 city councilors, and countless hardworking staff members.
Wayne has been instrumental in driving Provo forward. His insight, problem-solving mindset, and unwavering commitment to public service have shaped our city in countless ways. From a revitalized downtown to the development of our municipal fiber optic network, to Provo becoming the third Google Fiber city in the nation, Wayne has been integral to it all. His thoughtful planning and leadership also saw the birth of the Frontrunner system and the economic expansion driven by the Mountain Vista Business Center, the Startup District, and our new airport passenger terminal.
Our city's safety, a point of pride for us all, has been significantly enhanced under Wayne's leadership. The dedication of Fire Station 22 and our state-of-the-art public safety center are testaments to his commitment to keeping Provo safe and secure.
His excellent leadership didn't go unnoticed. In 2020, Wayne received the Award for Career Excellence from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). This prestigious award is given annually to one city manager for their outstanding achievements in local government management and contributions to community quality of life.
But above all, what stands out most about Wayne is his love for Provo. He often said that the finest residents in the world live here in Provo, making our community a great place to live, work, and raise a family. His words underscore the fact that our people are indeed the secret sauce of Provo's success.
As we approach Wayne's retirement date, we have an opportunity to reflect on his invaluable contributions. His influence will remain a part of our city’s DNA. His fingerprints are found on countless community projects that have uplifted Provo, as stated by Bill Hulterstrom, President and CEO of United Way. His exceptional service to our community, particularly with the South Franklin Community Center, has indeed left a lasting legacy.
Wayne's farewell message to us embodies his character and his dedication to Provo: "While I am grateful for being a small part at the nucleus of all of this, I am most grateful for all in Provo who have given so much to this exceptional community. I am confident in our community leaders and members as they work together and continue providing exceptional care for the residents of this very special place."
In the coming weeks, I encourage you all to join me in expressing our collective appreciation for Wayne's service. Let's celebrate the significant part he has played in shaping our wonderful city, ensuring that Provo remains a place we're all proud to call home.
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