By the City of Hutchinson
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson is pleased to announce the selection of Enrico Villegas as the new City Manager, pending contract approval by the City Council at their meeting on April 16, 2024.
Mr. Villegas brings a wealth of experience in municipal management and infrastructure development to his new role. As the Assistant City Manager/Public Works & IT Director for the City of Warrensburg, MO, and previously as a Project Manager for the City of Lawrence, KS, he has led numerous innovative projects focusing on road reconstruction, sewer upgrades, and broadband initiatives. His commitment to collaboration, efficiency, and community engagement has consistently delivered results.
“I look forward to building strong relationships with community leaders and residents,” said Mr. Villegas. “My family and I were impressed by the diversity of institutions and events that take place in Hutchinson. I am eager to partner with the Council, Staff, and community stakeholders to make Hutchinson a place where all want to live, work, and play.”
Mayor Greg Fast expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “I am excited to begin this new chapter for the City of Hutchinson. Mr. Villegas brings so much experience and potential to this role. I look forward to welcoming Enrico, Sarah, and their family. They will be a great addition to our community.”
Mary Grace Clemments, Interim City Manager, added, ” I am delighted to welcome Enrico to Hutchinson. The staff, community members, and council were impressed with Enrico’s energetic and innovative thinking, and I look forward to watching the city flourish under his leadership.”
Pending contract approval, Mr. Villegas is expected to assume his duties as City Manager on May 29, 2024.
Villegas will become the 3rd City Manager for Hutchinson in about a two-year span. Mary Grace Clements has been serving as interim City Manager since the termination of Kendal Francis in May 2023, a year after the council declined to renew the contract of Jeff Cantrell, who has succeeded long time City Manager John Deardoff a year earlier.
