The City of College Park Announced the Resignation of its City Manager, Scott Somers

The City of College Park announced the resignation of its City Manager Scott Somers effective December 23, 2020. Somers has been with the City for more than five years. “This was a very difficult decision;” said City Manager Somers, “the past five years that I have worked for the City have been the most challenging and rewarding period of my career.”

During his tenure with the City, Somers has overseen the culmination of numerous City initiatives and projects including City Hall, the College Park Woods Pool property, the Calvert Road Elementary School project, the dog park, Hollywood Gateway Park, Trolley Trail completion, among others. He has also improved and further developed City relations with the University of Maryland, which is showcased in the combined City Hall project expected to be completed next year.

Somers has accepted a position as CEO for Green Valley Recreation, Inc., a not-for-profit in southern Arizona that provides recreation, social, and leisure services for its members. Prior to his position with the City, Somers served as County Manager of Clatsop County, Oregon and City Manager for Reedsport, Oregon.

The City intends to begin the search process for a new City Manager by the end of the year. An RFP will be issued soon for a firm to start a nationwide search for a replacement. It is the City’s goal to find and secure a new City Manager by spring of 2021. During this time, Assistant City Manager, Bill Gardiner will assume the role as Acting City Manager.

The City thanks Somers for his hard work, diligence, and dedication during his time with our City. The City wishes him the best in his future endeavors. “Although Scott will be leaving us, his strong legacy as City Manager in College Park will endure well after he is gone;” said Mayor Patrick L. Wojahn, “Scott’s leadership enabled us to bring many key projects to fruition, including the new City Hall, and brought an increasing level of professionalization and diversity to our staff. The residents of College Park owe him a debt of gratitude, and we wish him well as he embarks on this new chapter.”