Following a nationwide search, the Ferguson City Council has named De’Carlon Seewood as its new City Manager.
Seewood, who recently served as Village Manager, for the Village of Richton Park, Ill., was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of all municipal departments and managing personnel to ensure consistency in both direction and operation. He also provided policy recommendations to the elected body and implemented adopted legislation throughout the municipality.
“Mr. Seewood has over 20 years of governmental experience and we believe his vision and commitment to the City of Ferguson will be a great asset to our residents, business owners and other stakeholders,” said Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III. “He has a proven track record of being fiscally responsible, while also managing governmental affairs in a timely and efficient manner.”
Seewood is no stranger to the City of Ferguson. He served as assistant city manager from 2001 to 2007. During his previous tenure, he worked to revitalize Ferguson’s business community by helping to create a redevelopment plan for downtown, establishing a street-scape plan and assisting with the development of a farmers market, which is considered one of the jewels of the city.
“I am honored and delighted to have the opportunity to return to Ferguson,” said Seewood. "I plan to be a voice for residents and to work with the Mayor and City Council to bridge the gap for everyone who wants to see our City succeed.”
During its nationwide search, more than 40 people from across the country applied for the City Manager’s position. The mayor and City Council interviewed six candidates and involved the public in the initial process. The City Council chose three finalists before selecting Seewood on Tuesday, November 17.
“The choice wasn’t easy, but we took into consideration several factors which included experience, fiscal accountability and a commitment to community engagement,” said Knowles. “We feel De’Carlon Seewood is the right person for the job.”
From 2007 to 2009 Seewood worked as the city manager for Berkley, Mo. While there, he reduced a $2 million dollar deficit in the General Fund, turning it into a $2.5million dollar surplus in 2 years. He also worked on the development of Berkley’s North Park area, which has brought tremendous development to North County.
Seewood, a native of East St. Louis, Ill., has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo. and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Missouri in Columbia.