Florence, AZ – At the regular Town Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, a majority of Councilmembers voted to select Russ Martin as the town’s new Manager, effective March 6, 2023.

As the new Town Manager, Mr. Martin will serve as the town’s chief administrative officer and will be responsible to the Town Council for the proper administration of all town affairs. Additionally, the Town Manager is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the annual budget, supervising the administration of all departments, attending all Council meetings, and keeping the Council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the town.

The town’s revised contract for Town Manager requires the Manager to become a full-time resident within the town or enter a lease or purchase contract for the Manager’s residence within 180 calendar days of the contract’s effective date. The term for Mr. Martin’s initial contract will be three years.

Speaking to the selection of Russ Martin as the town’s new manager, Mayor Tara Walter added, “We are very excited for Mr. Martin to be joining the team here in Florence. With a background in Community and Business Development and over 18 years of experience in town management, we look forward to the insights and perspectives he will add to our organization. Combining Mr. Martin’s expertise in economic development, water resources, fiscal management, and strategic planning with Council’s vision for Florence will be exciting for the future development of our Town.”

Mr. Martin is the former Town Manager of Camp Verde, Arizona, a position he held from 2010-2022. Previously, has served as the Town Manager in Hayden, Colorado from 2004-2010. He has also served as the Planner and Human Resources Specialist for Mintun, Colorado from 2001-2004 and worked as the Regional Planner for the Six County Association of Governments in Richfield, Utah from 1997-2001. Mr. Martin received a B.S. in City & Regional Planning from New Mexico State University and an M.S. in Human Resource Management from Utah State University.

With Mr. Martin’s appointment, Lisa Garcia, the town’s interim Manager, will resume her role as Deputy Town Manager and Town Clerk on March 6, 2023.