As I evaluate and communicate new information for many hours daily, some of which is not good, I know how important a positive attitude is for all of us during this challenging time. I choose to keep my head right and know that God is in control of this situation. Please join me with a positive attitude and as I “tell you something good”, please also forward some positivity to another person today.
Let me introduce to you our talented team with the City of Southaven who helps me and serves our citizens in a tremendous way daily.
Today’s introduction is Chris Wilson, our Chief Administrative Officer. Chris has served our city since December, 1997 with most of his years of service in his current position. His responsibilities include supervision of the entire Human Resources and Finance/Administration Departments. Prior to joining the City, he worked for North Delta Planning and Development, Inc. in Batesville, Mississippi as Economic Development Planner from 1995-1997, and worked as a Program Manager for the National Association of Development Organizations in Washington, D.C. briefly in 1997.
Chris received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Memphis in 2002 and Bachelor of Science Degree from Delta State University in 1995.
Professionally, Chris is the only International City Management Association (IMCA) credentialed manager (CM) in Mississippi; was accepted into and completed the Senior Executive Program for State and Local Governments at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government; and has led the City’s team that received 4 consecutive Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awards for excellence in financial reporting, a prestigious award given to only about 5% of cities/counties nationwide for going beyond typical accounting procedures to improve governmental financial transparency.
Chris is married with two children and enjoys reading historical non-fiction books, baseball, and spending time with his family when not working.
When asked “why do you do what you do?” Chris replied, “I work each day to try and improve the overall efficiency of local governmental services both for our residents and co-workers”.
My assessment of Chris is that he is perfect for his job. He guards the City’s financial budget like his own wallet. When I see his fellow department heads preparing to discuss a potential budget amendment request with him, it reminds me of the clock and candle characters in the movie, “Beauty and the Beast”, with their teeth chattering as they tip-toe up to knock on the Beast’s door! J Seriously, again, Chris is a brilliant guy and a problem-solver that works tirelessly to provide solutions to help us meet all objectives. #tellmesomethinggood
