HENDERSON, KY, December 10, 2024– Dylan Ward has been hired as the City of Henderson’s next City Manager.
The decision to name Ward as city manager came after his successful eleven-year career with the City.
He was hired in 2014 as Engineering Assistant, promoted in 2016 to Public Works Engineer and promoted once more in 2017 to become the City of Henderson Project Manager. In February 2024, Ward was appointed Assistant City Manager.
“Throughout our deliberations, Dylan’s experience, education level, overall mindset, and the time he has spent as our Assistant City Manager propelled him to the top of the list. He’s going to make a great City Manager for us, for the city’s employees, and for our public. I’m excited for him,” shared City of Henderson Mayor Brad Staton.
“I am very honored and excited to serve the City of Henderson as its next City Manager and I am extremely grateful to the Mayor and Board of Commissioners for their trust and support as I step into this vital role for the city,” said Ward. “Eleven years ago, when I began my career with the City the opportunity to eventually serve as City Manager was always one of my goals. Today, that dream has been realized and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way because I wouldn’t be here without them.”
A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Ward obtained a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Public Administration. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Kentucky.
During his time with the City, Ward’s most notable projects include involvement with the Henderson Sports Complex, East End Park, Countryview Stormwater Project, redevelopment of The Bridges Golf Course, Community Dog Park, and The Perch Pocket Park. He was also instrumental in the Ohio Drive
Widening Project (serving as the City liaison), the placement of wayfinding signage throughout the community, and is currently overseeing the Henderson Fire Station #1 replacement project.
Ward’s civic involvement includes past participation in the Henderson Leadership Initiative, a current member of the Henderson Rotary Club, and board member for The Gathering Place Senior Center (serving as board chair in 2022). He’s been involved with multiple mission trips to El Salvador and
Guatemala and is active in various leadership roles with his church. Ward serves as the President of the Green River Chapter of the Kentucky Society for Professional Engineers and the President of the KY Southern Branch of the American Public Works Association. He’s also a member of the National Society for Professional Engineers and received their National New Professional Engineer of the Year Award in 2022 for his contributions to the engineering profession and community.
He will begin his new role managing the City of Henderson on March 3, 2025.
“The City’s Board of Commissioners has selected a well-qualified candidate who has had over 11 years of experience with our City. Mr. Ward’s background with various departments and projects will enable him to step into his new role with confidence and continue City operations in a way the community would expect,” offered current City Manager William L. “Buzzy” Newman.
City Manager Newman will step into the role of Assistant City Manager effective March 3, 2025 to aid in Ward’s transition. There is currently not a defined retirement date for Newman.
“While I had plans to retire at the end of February, I determined, with the support of my wife, that it would be well served to support Dylan during the transitional period,” shared Newman.
“I never cease to be amazed at Buzzy’s thoughtfulness and genuine care for the city. In March, when Dylan promotes up to the City Manager position, Buzzy will stay on as Assistant City Manager until at least the end of the fiscal year. This will give Dylan an opportunity to learn from the top and to significantly flatten his learning curve. I have no doubts we will continue to be in excellent hands moving forward,” says Mayor Staton.
“In my professional journey, the person to who I owe the most gratitude is Buzzy Newman, our current City Manager. From my first day at the City, Buzzy invested in me, encouraged me, and tutored me. He has been a wonderful boss and mentor to many of us at the City,” added Ward. “I’m glad he’s agreed to stay on as the City’s Assistant City Manager and to continue serving as a mentor during the transition.”
The selection of Dylan Ward as City Manager came after over thirty candidates applied for the City’s top position. From the applications, six individuals were selected for interviews with the City of Henderson
Board of Commissioners. Out of the six candidates selected, four were interested in moving forward with an interview. Three local candidates were interviewed and one out of town candidate received an interview as well.
“The process was very thorough. Over thirty people applied after a nationwide search. We scheduled six
interviews and conducted four after two candidates withdrew their names from consideration. I just want to take this opportunity to thank Megan McElfresh, our HR Director. She did a fantastic job designing questions, setting up interviews, and ultimately guiding us through the process,” offered Mayor Staton.
“Credit should be given to the efforts our elected officials have made during the selection process. Succession planning was a top priority as key positions, including various department heads, have been replaced with well-qualified individuals who will support Mr. Ward in the goals and objectives that have been set for him by the Board of Commissioners,” offered Newman about the hiring process.
“As I step into this new role, I am excited to continue the momentum that the Henderson community has experienced the past few years,” shared Ward. “Much has been accomplished, and there are many more great things on the horizon. We have a fantastic team at the City of Henderson and I am excited to continue working alongside them.”
“Finally, I must thank my wife, Hannah and my parents. Hannah has been my biggest supporter and I would not be able to serve in this capacity without her,” said Ward. “My parents have also served as a steadfast source of support and encouragement.”
Ward and his wife, Hannah, have been married 10 years and have two children- Lindleigh, 6, and Caleb,
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