Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

Wayne Parker, Provo City’s Chief Administrative Officer since 2003, announced his retirement Thursday, effective September 16.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve Provo with three mayors, 33 city councilors and countless dedicated staff members,” Parker said. “They are the real heroes as they dedicate their lives and their careers to making life better for our residents.”

Parker’s announcement was met with well-wishes and statements of gratitude from Provo’s most recent mayors and other city leaders.

“Wayne Parker has been instrumental in moving Provo in a positive direction,” said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. “We will miss his insight and solution-oriented mindset but know he will continue to serve our community in his retirement.”

Working with Provo City for two decades, Parker helped lead the city into what it is today, particularly in helping manage growth. He cited the impact of “a revitalized downtown, the development of a municipal fiber optic network, Provo becoming the third Google Fiber city in the nation, and the initiation of the Frontrunner system” among his work highlights.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

“We’ve seen significant economic growth spurred by cooperation and collaboration between the public and private sectors with the success of the Mountain Vista Business Center, the vision and development of the Startup District and the new airport passenger terminal,” Parker said.

Former Mayor Lewis Billings first hired Parker, saying he needed the best candidate. There were 68 applications. Billings interviewed two.

“I was so impressed with Wayne and I invited him to join our team. He is remarkable and one of the most knowledgeable on state and local government. He knew the history of why we do what we do,” Billings said. “It’s going to be tough for the one who follows him. He serves at the mayor’s pleasure. He is the real deal.”

Billings told the Daily Herald he thoroughly researched Parker and told a group of individuals in the state city managers organization who he was considering fo the role. “I told them I was thinking of hiring Wayne and they said don’t do that, we want to,” Billings recalled.

It was a team effort, Billings added, citing the importance of Parker’s wife. “Julie is awesome too. She is his inspiration,” he said.

Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald file photo

U.S. Rep. John Curtis, who served as Provo’s mayor from 2010-2017, believes he was a better mayor because of Parker.

“It’s impossible to fully grasp the positive impact of Wayne Parker on Provo City. His touch for good can be found in everything we like about Provo. For many years, he has worked without fanfare or attention. Those of us that know his work best know that everything from our vibrant economy to our fun downtown and so much more have been blessed by Wayne’s hard work and dedication to Provo City,” Curtis said. “I hope that his retirement brings joy and happiness and that we will never forget all he has done for us as a city. I know I will never forget all he has done for me and the place that I love.”

Parker’s leadership earned him the 2020 Award for Career Excellence from the International City/County Management Association. ICMA recognizes one city manager each year based on their individual outstanding achievements in local government management and creative contributions to the quality of life in our communities.

“After many years of service to Provo City and beyond, I wish my friend and colleague Wayne Parker the best as he retires in September. His contributions to Provo will leave a lasting imprint on the community for generations to come,” said Jamie Davidson, former Orem City manager and longtime friend of Parker. “Wayne is, and has always been, a consummate professional who exhibits strong character and competence in all of his actions. I relied on his counsel and advice on many occasions in the 15-plus years we worked together as peers in Utah County.”

Davidson also praised Parker’s “complete commitment and passion for Provo,” which was evident in their personal and professional interactions. Those outside of city government also praised his dedication to the city and his work.

“The citizens of Provo have been blessed to have Wayne Parker serving as CAO for the past 20 years. His fingerprints can be found on so many great community projects,” said Bill Hulterstrom, President and CEO of United Way of Utah County. “United Way has appreciated his partnership and service to the community, particularly his great efforts with the South Franklin Community Center. His service will leave a lasting legacy for us all.”

Beyond his 20 years as Provo’s chief administrative officer, helping oversee the city’s operations while planning for the future, Parker worked for over 40 years in local government. Still, he was grateful for the people around him, ushering in Provo’s present and future.

“While I am grateful for being a small part at the nucleus of all of this, I am most grateful for all in Provo who have given so much to this exceptional community. I am confident in our community leaders and members as they work together and continue providing exceptional care for the residents of this very special place,” Parker said. “Our city employees are really the secret sauce of the City’s success. And Provo has the finest residents in the world, which makes our community a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

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