Nixa hires Willard official as assistant city administrator

Nixa has filled a role that's becoming vacant due to a retirement.

Wesley Young is scheduled to start as assistant city administrator on July 13, according to a news release. He succeeds Cindy Robbins, who is retiring after serving over 37 years with the city.

"Wesley shares the values that guide everything we do here at City Hall," Mayor Jarad Giddens said in the release. "Nixa is a city on the move, and having someone of Wesley’s caliber joining our leadership team is a tremendous asset."

Young comes to Nixa from a position as city administrator of Willard, a role he began in 2024, according to a news release from Willard. During his tenure, he focused on utility and infrastructure improvements, long-range planning, organizational development and investments, the release stated.

“Serving the city of Willard has been an honor,” Young said in the Willard release. “I am proud of what the Board of Alders, staff and community have accomplished together. While there is certainly more work ahead, I believe the city is on much stronger footing today than when I arrived. Willard has an excellent staff, a strong leadership team and tremendous potential for success.”

Young’s resignation from Willard is effective July 10 to allow a transition period, the Willard release states.

Willard Mayor Troy Smith wished Young success in the Nixa role, noting, “Wes has helped guide the city through a period of meaningful progress and has worked diligently on behalf of our residents, businesses and staff.”

Smith added in the Willard release that the city will continue to focus on maintaining its momentum and serving its residents.

Young has more than 20 years of local and state government experience, including service in the Arkansas state government.

A certified public manager, Young has a public administration master's, according to the Nixa release.