Mayor and Council Select Barbara Burns Matthews as Rockville's Next City Manager

[Howard Hartman]

For Immediate Release July 9, 2012

Mayor and Council Select Barbara Burns Matthews
as Rockville's Next City Manager

Matthews brings more than 25 years of experience to Rockville

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 9, 2012 -Rockville's Mayor and Council has announced that Barbara Burns Matthews will be the next city manager of Maryland's third largest city.

Matthews, who has more than 25 years of local government experience, has served as the city manager of Takoma Park since 2004. Prior to her work in Takoma Park, Matthews spent three years as the city manager of the City of Manchester, Mo.

Matthews has also held positions with the cities of Kansas City, Gladstone, Kirkwood, and Lee's Summit, Mo. She has an extensive background in all areas of municipal operations, including economic development, finance and budgeting, human resources and labor relations.

Matthews holds a bachelor's degree in economics and government from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in public affairs from Indiana University.

"I'm honored to have been selected as Rockville's new city manager," said Matthews. "The City of Rockville is well known for its professional management, innovation, and forward thinking approach to serving the public. I welcome the opportunity to be a part of its next chapter."

Jennifer Kimball has served as Rockville's acting city manager since December. Kimball, the city's assistant city manager, was appointed by the Mayor and Council as acting city manager following the retirement of Scott Ullery.

Rockville has worked with Springsted, a search firm in Richmond, Va., to seek top national candidates for the position. Candidates were interviewed by the Mayor and Council and met with senior staff and community members.

"We are confident that we have found the right person to be Rockville's city manager," said Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio. "Ms. Matthews understands the types of issues Rockville is facing. Her experience and leadership are just what we've been looking for to lead our staff and to serve our community. The Mayor and Council are very excited to start what is sure to be a collaborative and fruitful working relationship with Ms. Matthews."

Matthews will begin her post in October, and her salary will be $199,000.