After 10 years as Crestwood’s city administrator, Kris Simpson is stepping down from the role. His last day in the office will be Jan. 30; his career will now take him to Creve Coeur, where he will serve as city administrator.

As Crestwood begins its search for a new city administrator, Chief of Police Jonathan Williams will step in as the acting city administrator on Feb. 1.

“After 10 years, I’m ready to take on a new challenge and try something a little different,” Simpson said at Crestwood’s Jan. 13 Board of Aldermen meeting, where he announced his move to Creve Coeur. “I’ll obviously be forever grateful for the time I’ve had here and the privilege to serve the community of Crestwood. I’ll always look back on this chapter in my life with fondness, good feelings and a lot of pride for what we’ve been able to accomplish together.”

As city administrator, Simpson has been a foundational part of what keeps the municipality running and has served as a bridge between the elected aldermen and city staff. He took time to reflect on the highlights of his tenure in Crestwood: from the redevelopment of the Crestwood mall to the renovations of the Crestwood Government Center at 1 Detjen Drive following a flood in August 2019.

“Now there are facilities that better serve our needs so we can better serve the community,” Simpson said. “That’s taking a catastrophe and turning it into an opportunity, so I’m really proud of how we navigated that.”

Simpson has no shortage of gratitude or glowing praise for the people he has served alongside for so many years. He says the Board of Aldermen demonstrates a “unity, vision, clarity and purpose,” and that even when he disagrees with the board, it’s done professionally and respectfully. He also praised the city staff he collaborates with daily, who work tirelessly in jobs that “are sometimes invisible.” 

About each member of the city’s government, he says that they care deeply about serving the people of Crestwood. Simpson notes that this is what makes local government so meaningful.

“We’re doing things that really impact people’s lives on a day-to-day basis,” Simpson said. “Especially in these turbulent times, people should at least take some comfort in feeling that, ‘My local government is working really well for me.’ There are people who care about government service and doing it the right way. That’s what I’ve always strived to do: in my own small way, to be a model for others.”

Simpson has been working with Williams and Mayor Scott Shipley to ensure a smooth transition of the role of city administrator following his departure. Williams was appointed to the acting city administrator position by the Board of Aldermen; Simpson says that the chief of police is comfortable with the board, good at dealing with the public and a “dedicated public servant.” 

“Our goal is that residents don’t see the city skipping a beat, and I think that’s completely achievable,” Simpson said. 

Simpson mentions that Williams has an “incredible” support staff at the Crestwood Police Department as the chief shoulders an extra responsibility come February — “not saying that Chief Williams is setting aside his responsibilities to the police department, fully.” 

Deputy Chief Mike Ford, who was an interim chief the last time Crestwood had turnover at the police chief level, is in place to assist with the operation of the police department, should that be necessary. Williams will also work closely with Assistant City Administrator and Director of Public Works Jeff Faust in his new role as acting city administrator.

“I think that (Faust) and Chief Williams will work really well together to make sure city services continue to be delivered at the high level that our residents are accustomed to,” Simpson said.

In the meantime, recruiting firms are submitting proposals to aid the city of Crestwood in the selection of the next permanent city administrator. Simpson says that proposals for these firms will be submitted by the end of the month, and the Board of Aldermen will appoint a firm to aid in the process. From there, Simpson anticipates the hiring process will take 10-12 weeks.

Simpson will attend the Jan. 27 Board of Aldermen meeting, which will be his final meeting as city administrator. At the last board meeting, Shipley said, “We’ll have plenty of time to say nice things about you then.”

Simpson laughed and responded, “Motion to table that discussion!”