Willard Permanent Conroe City Administrator

CONROE, Texas – The Conroe City Council has officially moved to solidify the leadership of its municipal government, voting unanimously on May 23 to appoint David Willard as the city’s permanent City Administrator. The 5-0 vote concludes a seven-month transition period during which Willard served as the interim head of city operations.

Willard, who assumed the permanent role effective May 24, takes the helm following the retirement of long-time City Administrator Paul Virgadamo, who stepped down in September 2023. Willard’s appointment comes with an annual base salary of $235,000, a figure consistent with the city’s recent budgetary commitments to administrative leadership.

The decision follows a period of evaluation by the council, which observed Willard’s performance firsthand during his interim tenure. Before stepping into the top job in October 2023, Willard had served as Conroe’s Assistant City Administrator since November 2022.

During the May 23 meeting, council members expressed strong confidence in the transition. Mayor Pro Tem Harry Hardman commended Willard for his steady hand during the interim months, stating that his performance made the decision to offer him the permanent position a clear choice. Council Member Todd Yancey echoed the sentiment, noting Willard’s professional integrity and character as key assets for the growing city.

Willard brings a long history of municipal management to Conroe. His professional background includes a four-year stint as the City Manager in Kerrville, where he served from 2018 to 2022. Prior to his time in the Hill Country, Willard spent eight years in leadership positions in Big Spring, serving as City Manager from 2014 to 2018 and Assistant City Manager from 2010 to 2014. His early career in public service included various municipal roles in Sweetwater, Texas.

Academically, Willard is well-prepared for the technical demands of managing a rapidly expanding city like Conroe. He earned a Master of Public Administration from Texas Tech University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Angelo State University.

As City Administrator, Willard will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the municipal government. His mandate includes managing the city’s annual budget, which is currently focused on infrastructure improvements and public safety initiatives as the city handles significant population growth. Additionally, he will serve as the primary liaison between the council and city department heads, tasked with implementing policies set by elected officials.

Conroe, the county seat of Montgomery County, has seen significant demographic and commercial expansion over the past decade. As the city continues to navigate the challenges associated with growth, Willard’s experience in mid-sized Texas cities is expected to be a focal point of his administration.

The city expects to finalize contract details in the coming weeks. For further information regarding upcoming city council meeting agendas or municipal updates, residents can visit the official City of Conroe website at www.cityofconroe.org.