College Park City Council voted unanimously to confirm Natasha Hampton as the new city manager in a virtual work session on May 4. 

Hampton, who will officially begin her work as city manager on June 1, has over 23 years of municipal government experience and is the author of “High Heel Leadership: The Art of Being a Woman in Power,” a book about women empowerment in the workplace, according to a College Park press release. 

Hampton will replace interim city manager Bill Gardiner, who took over the position in December when the former city manager, Scott Somers, resigned to take a position in Arizona, according to the press release. 

As city manager, Hampton will oversee the city’s day-to-day finances. She will also appoint and supervise department heads and put policies passed by city council into action. 

“This opportunity is an amazing one, and I look forward to building collaboratively with you and with every resident and business owner in this community,” Hampton said at the work session. 

In Hampton’s most recent government positions, she served as assistant city manager in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and as assistant city manager and acting city manager in Miramar, Florida. 

“Since starting my public sector career, I knew serving others was my passion. Not just serving but truly making a difference in the lives of those that rely on municipal services,” Hampton wrote in a blog post. 

District 4 City Councilmember Monroe Dennis said in the press release: “Ms. Hampton’s excellent references and prominent voice on significant leadership issues were important factors in her selection by the council. The council looks forward to her applying this knowledge to advance the City of College Park.”

Outside of municipal government, Hampton partners with the American Society for Public Administration for the Natasha S. Hampton Girls In Government scholarship program to encourage and increase women in government leadership, according to her website. 

Hampton also said she is passionate about gender equality in the workplace. In a statement about her book, Hampton said, “It’s time we embrace our roles, learn how to play the game and understand that changes in the workplace won’t happen until we do something differently. We have the power and the obligation to evoke change.”

Hampton’s election to the city manager position was met with excitement at the May 4 work session. 

“I’m doing a tap dance, a somersault, all that,” District 4 City Councilmember Denise Mitchell said at the work session. “We have an aggressive strategic plan, but I know [she’s] able to handle it.”

In the press release, Hampton said she will, “Continue College Park’s approach as industry leaders in economic development, innovation, transformative public services, equitable and inclusive communities, and shared prosperity for all who live, work and play in our City.” 

Featured photo: Natasha Hampton, College Park’s new city manager. Photo courtesy of the City of College Park press release.