CITY OF HUTCHINSON
City Manager Enrico Villegas has been named a recipient of the Early Career Excellence Award by the Kansas Association of City/County Management (KACM), an honor presented by his peers recognizing leadership and impact in local government early in his career.
During the awards presentation at KACM’s annual conference last week, Villegas was recognized for the significant progress achieved in just over one year with the City of Hutchinson. In remarks shared during the ceremony, KACM highlighted his efforts to strengthen relationships between City staff and the governing body, as well as his focus on improving communication and collaboration across City departments.
KACM also cited Villegas’ leadership in addressing long-standing budget challenges through the development of a new long-term financial plan focused on restoring balance and increasing transparency. In addition, he was recognized for reinvigorating Hutchinson’s role as a collaborative partner with Reno County and local organizations to advance the Reno County Economic Development Strategic Plan efforts that KACM noted are already producing positive results for the City and the region.
The association further acknowledged Villegas’ work to reorganize and improve operations within the City’s Public Works Department. According to remarks made during the presentation, these efforts expanded services such as residential street plowing during snow events while remaining within the department’s established budget.
KACM also noted that these organizational improvements and leadership approach contributed to a significant turnaround in staffing, with the City moving from widespread vacancies to being nearly fully staffed across major departments.
The Early Career Excellence Award is a peer-recognized honor presented by the Kansas Association of City/County Management to acknowledge early-career professionals who have made a meaningful impact in their communities and organizations.