Gary Whatcott is Retiring after 44 years of Public Service
Gary Whatcott, the city manager of South Jordan for the last nine years, is retiring after 44 years of dedicated public service. Having started as a volunteer firefighter in West Jordan in 1977, he became a full-time police officer the following year. In 1991, Mr. Whatcott became South Jordan’s first full-time firefighter and its inaugural full-time fire chief in 1993. As fire chief, he brought forward the workings of modern fire services, including a new fire station and new fire apparatus. Mr. Whatcott was instrumental in bringing paramedics to the city and full-time firefighters, which has led to the progressive fire service you see today.
Mr. Whatcott transitioned to city administration in 2003, where his leadership skills and dedication propelled him into city hall administration. He became assistant city manager in 2006 and was appointed city manager in April 2014. Throughout his tenure, he has displayed unwavering dedication and expertise in leading South Jordan.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Whatcott treasures his family, having been married to his high school sweetheart for 50 years. His 14 grandchildren bring him immense joy. Interestingly, his past as a steeplejack, fearlessly climbing flagpoles up to 100 feet high for maintenance, reveals his fearlessness and determination.
With a master's in public administration from Brigham Young University and a bachelor of business administration from the University of Phoenix, Mr. Whatcott’s educational background has been instrumental in his success.
Mr. Whatcott has created a culture of quality and dedication that we see in City employees today. He said that his greatest accomplishment was providing a work environment that allowed employees to reach their full potential. Mr. Whatcott has loved working a job that positively impacts the quality of life for residents. “I have loved working in public service. It is challenging yet very rewarding at times. I have truly loved working with the residents and employees here at South Jordan.”
Mr. Whatcott looks forward to utilizing his extensive experience to improve public service in cities with the Utah League of Cities and Towns. His legacy of dedicated service and commitment to the South Jordan community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. He has the uttermost faith and trust in Dustin Lewis to lead the city into a brighter future.
South Jordan City's New City Manager is Dustin Lewis
South Jordan will welcome Dustin Lewis as its new City Manager in July. Mr. Lewis brings a wealth of expertise to his new role with more than 28 years of experience in local government.
Having served the City of South Jordan for the past 16 years in various roles, he has also worked for the cities of Centerville, Utah, and Blackfoot, Idaho. Mr. Lewis is well acquainted with the community’s needs and challenges. His expertise in many areas of city operations has given him numerous opportunities to serve on many local, state, and national boards and committees as a subject matter expert.
Mr. Lewis holds a bachelor of science degree in geography from the University of Utah and a master of science degree in emergency management from Jacksonville State University. In 2020, he received recognition as a credentialed manager from the International City/County Management Association.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Lewis enjoys spending quality time with his family, indulging in reading and collecting books, and tracking down old PEZ dispensers. He also creates assemblage art pieces, some of which were displayed at City Hall in 2022 as one of our Artists on Display.
As the new city manager, Mr. Lewis is committed to being a dedicated advocate for the community. He believes in the vibrancy and uniqueness of South Jordan and aims to maintain a positive focus while addressing common challenges faced by many cities.
With his experience and dedication, the City can look forward to continued progress and a prosperous future under Mr. Lewis’s leadership.