Florence Names Martin as New Town Manager

Former Camp Verde Town Manager

Russ Martin has been selected to serve as Florence’s next town manager, replacing Interim Town Manager Lisa Garcia, who returned to her roles of deputy town manager and town clerk.

Mayor Tara Walter said she and others are looking forward to working with the longtime public servant: “Combining Mr. Martin’s expertise in economic development, water resources, fiscal management and strategic planning with Council’s vision for Florence will be exciting for the future development of our Town.”

Martin was town manager for Camp Verde, a community of 12,400 40 miles east of Prescott, from 2010 to 2022, leaving in October after the Town Council did not renew his contract.

He previously worked as town manager in Hayden, Colorado from 2004-2010; planner and human resources specialist for Mintun, Colorado from 2001-2004; and as regional planner for the Six County Association of Governments in Richfield, Utah from 1997-2001.

He has a bachelor’s degree in city and regional planning from New Mexico State University and a master’s in human resource management from Utah State University.

Martin has a three-year initial contract that requires him to become a full-time resident of Florence. His duties will include serving as the chief administrative officer, overseeing preparation of the annual budget, supervising administration of all departments, attending council meetings and advising council members of the financial condition and future needs of the Town.

The Town Council voted 5-2 to hire Martin at its Jan. 17 meeting. Former Town Manager Brent Billingsley stepped down in February 2022 to become Pinal County’s director of community development.