City of Pontiac, IL
05/19/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2022 15:56
City Administrator Announcement
The Pontiac City Council has announced its intention to appoint current Pontiac Chief of Police, James Woolford, to the position of City Administrator at the next regular meeting of the City Council on May 16, 2022. Mr. Woolford will replace long-tenured City Administrator Bob Karls who announced his plans to retire at the December 6, 2021 City Council Meeting.
In response to Mr. Karls' retirement plans, earlier this year the City Council entered into a contract with the consulting firm GovHR and solicited applications for the position from existing Pontiac Department Heads. During the ensuing months, the City Council undertook a careful and deliberate vetting process of each of the candidates. As a result of that process, Mr. Woolford was determined to be the best candidate to assume the duties of City Administrator.
Even though Mr. Woolford's appointment will be made official on the May 16, he will not immediately assume the position of City Administrator. He will be working with Mr. Karls on the development of a transition plan for presentation to the City Council.
Mr. Woolford has been a member of the Pontiac Police Department since January of 1994 and has held numerous positions within the department including Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Patrol Commander, and Administrative Commander. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2012 and continues to serve in that position today. Chief Woolford will also be working on a transition plan for his departure from the Police Department. Prior to joining the Pontiac Police Department, Mr. Woolford served in the United States Army as a member of the Military Police. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm from October of 1990 through March of 1991.
Upon his acceptance of the position, Mr. Woolford stated, "I am a mission driven leader. I believe all people deserve unconditional respect. I am truly humbled and honored for this opportunity with an amazing city and staff. I look forward to what we can do together."
Mr. Woolford holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Science and a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration. He also attended the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, VA in 2008.
Originally from Streator, Illinois, Mr. Woolford is married to Jamie and they have 3 children. He is also currently the Board Chairman of the Vermilion Valley 9-1-1 Center and is a member of the Livingston County Drug Court.
"Pontiac is lucky to have such a strong team of leaders in our Department Heads and we were pleased that we had exceptional candidates step forward for consideration. Chief Woolford has a proven track record as a leader not only within his department but also within our community." said Mayor Bill Alvey.
Final terms of Mr. Woolford's appointment to the City Administrator position are still being negotiated. Those terms will be made public prior to the meeting on May 16.