For Immediate Release | February 13, 2019

Avon, CO – The Colorado City and County Management Association (CCCMA) has announced that current Acting Town Manager and former Deputy Town Manager Preston Neill has been named the 2018 Assistant of the Year. The award recognizes the top deputy town manager, assistant town manager or department director, who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her local government, in the past year.

Preston was nominated by Special Events Manager Louise Duncan and Police Chief Greg Daly, who recognized him as a strong leader, collaborator, mentor and facilitator in his role, and that he has consistently surpassed expectations both in the quality and quantity of his work.  Preston, over the past year, was the lead staff person in assisting the Town Council in its goals to eliminate plastic bags and to raise the tobacco purchasing age, with a new tobacco tax, approved by the citizens last November.  His work on the annual Strategic Plan and budget were also cited as key contributions.

Special Events Manager Louise Duncan stated in the nomination, “Preston is a decisive leader, but only after he has listened to all invested parties. It is remarkable how he enters a discussion not knowing what he is going to decide, but by the end of the meeting he has developed, with everyone, a workable and accountable approach.” Louise added that Preston has been consistently supportive and an invested mentor for the younger female employees at the town. “He is never condescending or patronizing. He treats you as an equal and valuable member of the team, providing you with information and experience to grow in one’s work. He is a humble and thoughtful mentor always exhibiting outstanding work as a team player.”

The nomination spoke to Preston’s servant-leadership management style and his strong work ethic.  Police Chief Greg Daly wrote, "Preston Neill makes significant contributions toward excellence in leadership for the Town of Avon and the profession. He supports his colleagues, helps others be successful and mentors younger staff. Preston is an excellent partner, communicator and collaborator. He defines the mantra of ‘No job too big or too small.’  Preston is an emerging town manager and will be a shining example of what a town manager should be."

Preston joined the Town of Avon in 2014, as the Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, and was promoted to Deputy Town Manager in 2017. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Arizona State University.

CCCMA is a statewide association of local government managers and assistants. It is the State Affiliate of the International City and County Management Association. Awards for outstanding management contributions were presented at CCCMA’s annual meeting in Glenwood Springs on February 8, 2019.

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