City Hall has familiar face taking on new Chief Administrative Officer role

With the changes going on at Murray City Hall this year, a familiar face is taking on a new role as Chief Administrative Officer. Mayor Blair Camp tapped Director of Public Works Doug Hill to fill the new position. 

With Hill’s reassignment, Camp appointed Danny Astill to become director of Public Works and Kim Sorenson to be Parks and Recreation Director. Camp joked at the January 16 city council meeting, “How many people does it take to replace Doug Hill?”

This isn’t the first time that a mayor of Murray has brought a leader from the Parks and Recreation Department to work in a similar role. When Mayor Lynn Pett was elected, he brought in Park Commissioner Jack DeMann, and the two of them collaborated to create the Jordan River Parkway, cleanup the old ASARCO smelter site and develop the Murray Parkway Golf Course. 

If Camp is modeling his mayoral ambitions like Pett’s, then he and Hill have a rolling start with Murray City Center District beginning to take shape. Several other areas are also eyed for development, such as the Ore Sampling Mill area.

The Murray Journal spoke with Hill about his new appointment and what he plans to do in Murray this year.

Q: What is the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and how is that different from deputy mayor?

A: Many cities, including Murray City, have used the title of Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Mayor, and Chief of Staff interchangeably. Mayor Camp and I thought the title of Chief Administrative Officer fit this role best. My responsibilities include assisting the mayor with the day-to-day operations of the city.

Q: What is the hardest thing about transitioning to the CAO?

A: During my 25-plus years with Murray City, I have overseen the Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, and Economic Development Departments. This change will allow me to work closer with other departments and operations of the city, including Public Safety, Power, and Administrative Services.

Q: What has been the biggest thing you have been involved with as Public Works director? What was the result?

A: Several significant public projects I was involved with include the planning, construction and management of the Jordan River Parkway, the Park Center, Willow Pond Park, Cottonwood Street overpass, and the canal trail.

Q: What new initiatives or programs are you seeking to do while CAO?

A: I see my role as helping the mayor and city council accomplish their goals. At the same time, I hope to promote transparency, efficiency, public involvement and friendly city services.

Q: Who has been a big influence or mentor in your life and why?

A: I am fortunate to have worked with several great mayors including Lynn Pett, Dan Snarr, Ted Eyre and Blair Camp. Lynn Pett hired me right out of college and was a mentor to me during our association. Although all of Murray’s mayors have different viewpoints and styles, I am impressed with their willingness to serve the community and do what they think best for Murray and its citizens and businesses.

Q: What special hobbies or pastimes do you like to be involved in and why?

A: I enjoy playing golf at the Murray Parkway Golf Course and spending time with my family.