College Park, MD, September 21, 2021 – The City of College Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth “Kenny” Young as its new City Manager. Announced during the September 21 City Council meeting, Mr. Young’s tenure with the City begins on September 27, 2021. Mr. Young brings to the City more than 25 years of progressive local government and private sector experience. “The Council and I are thrilled to welcome Mr. Young to College Park. With his decades of experience in local government, he will bring vision and skillful management as we move forward through these challenging times, recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to build a stronger College Park” said Patrick L. Wojahn, Mayor of College Park.
Mr. Young has a wealth of experience leading counties, municipalities, and departments across the country. Mr. Young most recently served as County Administrator for Goochland County, VA where he oversaw a budget in excess of $141 million and 175 employees. During his time at Goochland, he directed and supervised operations of all County departments and guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic with one of the highest vaccination rates for residents within the State of Virginia.
Prior to serving in Goochland, Mr. Young was the Assistant County Administrator for Loudoun County, VA, an organization with more than 4,100 employees and budget of $3.2 billion. There he oversaw several departments including Building and Development, Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, as well as major projects like the county-wide Comprehensive Plan. Under his leadership, the county was recognized for the most business investment for counties of its size in America. Previously, Mr. Young served as Assistant Town Administrator for the Town of Capitol Heights, MD and as an acting assistant City Manager for the City of North Las Vegas, NV. He has also held positions in economic and community development, neighborhood services, and planning.
Mr. Young is a Credentialed Manager from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and a member of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators, having previously served on their Executive Board. He received his master’s degree in Public Administration and bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University. “We are really pleased to welcome Mr. Young as our new City Manager;” said Bill Gardiner, Interim City Manager, “he has great success leading public organizations and will help us reach our strategic plan goals.”
Mr. Young fills the position left vacant by previous City Manager Scott Somers who resigned to pursue a position in Arizona. Assistant City Manager Bill Gardiner has served as Interim City Manager since December 2020.
“I am really looking forward to working with the City of College Park community, City Council, and staff in achieving the goals of the community” said Mr. Young. “College Park is an amazing place and I feel very fortunate to be joining and leading the City team.”
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News and media outlets are encouraged to contact Communications Manager Ryna Quinones regarding any inquiries or stories about the City of College Park. For all media inquiries, please contact her via email at rquinones@collegeparkmd.gov or by phone at (240) 487-3508.