Watson could be considered as president-elect of international management group

Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson could be considered to become president-elect of the International City/County Management Association, or ICMA.

Watson is one of only 41 members across the world who qualify to serve as president, according to a November 24 memo to the Oak Ridge City Council. He could become the first ICMA president from Tennessee in the 100-year history of the organization.

The seven-member City Council on Monday is being asked to support Watson’s participation.

“If selected, he would be in line to become president of the professional association that represents 9,000 appointed city managers, administrators, and assistants from across the United States and the world,” said Michael W. Walker, executive director of the Tennessee City Management Association.

He said the TCMA, which has 114 members, approached Watson in October and encouraged him to consider and pursue the ICMA president’s position.

“Only a limited number of ICMA members have the qualifications to be considered for the position, with Mark fitting in that group,” Walker said. “Since his arrival in Tennessee over four years ago, Mark has represented the City of Oak Ridge well in activities across the state. He has been active in the state affiliate of ICMA and is well-respected by his peers from across Tennessee for his leadership skills, knowledge, and professionalism.”

If selected, Watson would be ICMA president-elect in 2015-2016. ICMA would be responsible for his expenses associated with serving as president-elect and then president. The only exceptions would be the costs of the annual conference and the president’s own state meeting, as is currently stipulated in the employment agreement with the city manager.

Watson served as an ICMA regional vice president in 1998-2001. He was chairman of the International Committee from 2009-2012, vice chair of the Government Affairs and Policy Committee from 1999-2002, and most recently served as an ICMA professional management fellow with Indonesia in 2014.

See the City Council agenda here.