City Manager George Kolb announced today he has appointed Van Williams, a former senior reporter with The Wichita Eagle, as the City of Wichita’s Public Information Officer. "Van’s strong writing and reporting skills, his overall communication skills as well as his knowledge of city government made him a perfect fit for this important position," he said. "I considered this to be one of my most important appointments to date within my administration," said Kolb.
Mr. Williams spent 16 years as a journalist for Kansas’ largest newspaper. Williams has been the City Hall reporter for the past 3 years. He also worked in management at the newspaper, as a news and an election editor. He has been featured in The Wichita Eagle’s marketing campaign that included billboards, television ads, company trucks and newspaper racks. Williams is an award-winning journalist for government and college sports coverage. His stories were part of the Eagle’s most recent Pulitzer Prize entry package.
"I’m excited about this new career opportunity," Williams said. "There is potential for professional and personal growth and a chance to work for the organization that has direct impact on the success of my hometown," he said. Williams is a Wichita native and graduate of Southeast High School and Wichita State University.
The Public Information Officer is a key member of the City Manager’s office staff. The position provides professional administrative communications and strategic work of overall direction, management and implementation for the City of Wichita’s public information, media strategy, crisis communications and public relations programs. Williams’ appointment concludes a nationwide search that began this January. More than 300 people applied for the position, 85 of which were considered qualified candidates. Williams will begin working for the City of Wichita on Monday, May 16.
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