Neamtzu Named City’s Community Development Director

December 11, 2018— Chris Neamtzu, the City’s long-time Planning Director, has been promoted to Community Development Director, City Manager Bryan Cosgrove announced.

Neamtzu, who joined the City in 1995, assumes the role vacated by Nancy Kraushaar, who retired last month. Neamtzu’s new position includes oversight of the City’s building, engineering, natural resources, planning, economic development and urban renewal divisions.

“Chris brings vast talent, leadership and institutional knowledge into this critical role,” Cosgrove said. “We are incredibly fortunate to be able to turn to someone with Chris’s expertise and demeanor to serve as the lead strategist to oversee Wilsonville’s healthy, well-planned development.”

Neamtzu has worn many hats since arriving 23 years ago, sight unseen, to accept a temporary position within the planning department. He served as associate planner and park planner prior to becoming the City’s long-range planning manager in 2003.  He has served as Planning Director since 2010.

“All these years later, I’m deeply passionate about this community,” Neamtzu said. “I obviously care about this place, I’m proud of the work we get to do and I am excited about the opportunity to lead a department filled with talented professionals.”

When Neamtzu first arrived in Wilsonville, the City’s population was just under 10,000 residents, and Wilsonville High School was just opening its doors. Since, he has been instrumental in guiding the City’s responsible growth, including development of master plans for Villebois, Frog Pond and the Coffee Creek Industrial Area.

Additionally, his work has advanced the Graham Oaks Nature Park plan, the City’s plan to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, the parks & recreation master plan, transportation system plan and natural resources program. He spearheaded tree-planting efforts and earned Wilsonville status as a “Tree City USA.”

“I consider myself one of biggest advocates for this city at the local level and regional level,” Neamtzu said. “I believe I’m uniquely qualified for this position because of my experience and my knowledge of where the City has been, why we’ve made the decisions that we’ve made.

“I’m super excited to have an opportunity to be able to lead a group that plays such an important role in creating a vibrant, livable community.”