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Consideration of appointment of Mark Hammond to the position of Development Director, effective September 3, 2024
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Submitted by:
Jim Archambo, City Administrator
Beth Mbow, Human Resources Director
Department:
Administration
Human Resources Department
Issue:
Request to confirm the appointment of Mark Hammond as Development Director.
Wauwatosa ordinance 2.76.010 states that the City Administrator shall, after the necessary selection procedures (merit based) have been followed, submit recommendations to the Mayor and Common Council for appointees to various department director positions wherein the appointment authority is reserved by ordinance to the mayor with confirmation by the Common Council. This memorandum is intended to provide a description of the selection processes and the recommended candidate’s background and qualifications.
Background:
Often times, the City will contract with an executive recruitment firm to conduct director-level position recruitment due to the niche nature of the positions and the resources required for a national search. The City retained GovHR to assist with position advertisement of the next Development Director.
The position (brochure attached) was advertised to a wide variety of local, regional and national sources for over a month.
We received 39 applications in total, of which five candidates stood out in terms of related experience, knowledge and abilities.
We conducted two rounds of interviews with key stakeholders as interview panelists: City Administrator Jim Archambo, Deputy City Administrator Melissa Cantarero Weiss, Human Resources Director Beth Mbow, Finance Director John Ruggini, Public Works Director David Simpson.
The interviews focused on commitment to public service, related technical knowledge and experience, project management, commitment and strategic vision related to the City’s mission and comprehensive plan, affordable housing, leadership, communication and more.
For the final three candidates, we conducted a written exercise and a team meet and greet with the Development Department managers.
At the conclusion of the process, the consensus was that Mark Hammond is the best candidate for the position.
Mark has most recently served as the Vice President of Development and General Counsel for MSP Real Estate (Heritage Senior Living), where he spearheaded numerous development projects, including an affordable and senior living development in Wauwatosa’s Mayfair Collection area. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Master’s degree in Real Estate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a JD in Law from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Hammond has been a member of Wauwatosa’s Community Development Authority since 2018. The city’s housing authority has undertaken several large-scale projects during his tenure.
Mr. Hammond brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the City’s Development team. He also demonstrates a strong commitment to public service and to a bright and prosperous future for Wauwatosa.
Mark Hammond’s resume will be emailed confidentially with further details of his qualifications.
Recommendation
In accordance with ordinance 2.76.10, it is the recommendation of the City Administrator to appoint Mark Hammond as the Development Director. Staff has reviewed the process and selection with Mayor McBride who endorses this appointment. To finalize the process, the appointment is subject to Council approval.