William H. Hansell Jr., executive director of ICMA from 1983 to 2002, passed away on June 4, 2013. In addition to stints with the University of Scranton and the private sector, Hansell had amassed nearly 50 years’ experience in public service with several Pennsylvania cities, townships, and boroughs; a municipal league; and ICMA. He had most recently served as county executive of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, a position he resigned from last month for health reasons.

“Bill Hansell was a mentor, coach, and friend to thousands who made local government a career. He offered counsel and good cheer to all who crossed his path. He touched and influenced all that we know of today’s ICMA. He leaves a legacy that will last for generations to come. Bill was a larger-than-life personality who filled a room with energy.”

ICMA Executive Director Bob O’Neill

Hansell was a champion of local government and those who manage at the local level. Prior to accepting the top position at ICMA, he served as executive director of The Pennsylvania Municipal League from 1982 to 1983. While leading ICMA, Hansell launched the ICMA University, which is dedicated to advancing the profession through learning and skills enhancement. He also established the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program, which recognizes professional local government managers qualified by a combination of education, experience, adherence to high standards of integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Under his oversight, ICMA developed the Center for Performance Measurement, which advocates improvement of the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of public services through the collection, reporting, analysis, and application of performance measurement information.

Hansell gave new meaning and significance to the “I” in ICMA by directing the establishment in 1989 of the International Municipal Programs Department (now ICMA International), expanding international membership, establishing affiliation agreements with 16 international associations of local government management professionals, and cultivating the unique Resource Cities Programs.

In 1990, Hansell was instrumental in developing the Center for Public Administration Services partnership at 777 N. Capitol Street, N.E., in Washington, D.C., which enabled ICMA to become a building owner for the first time. The new offices came without artwork, so Hansell established a tradition of exhibiting art donated by the local governments that hosted each ICMA Annual Conference.  

Hansell also built bridges with a wide range of organizations, including the National Association of County Administrators, the International Hispanic Network, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. During his tenure in 1991, ICMA members voted to change the organization’s name to the International City/County Management Association to fully recognize the inclusion of county chief appointed officials. He was inducted as a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in 1986.

The use of technology and the Internet exploded during the 1990s, and Hansell led the charge to press the membership to use e-mail and to embrace new ways of communicating. Many of ICMA's traditional print publications became electronic publications during his era.

Hansell is survived by his wife Connie, their two children, their grandchildren, the extended family, and the host of friends he had cultivated throughout the world. Expressions of sympathy should be sent to the Hansell family at: 2545 Gracie Lone, Macungie, PA 18062.

To recognize Bill’s legacy to the profession and his lifelong commitment to learning, the Hansell family and ICMA have created a Hansell Fund to provide scholarships for professional development opportunities.  Contributions may be made online or by check. To make an online contribution, go to icma.org/donate. Log in using your ICMA account or create an account, then click on “Memorial Fund” and follow the instructions. Be sure to enter “Bill Hansell” in the field for name of the person to recognize.  

Mailed contribution checks should be made out to the ICMA Fund with "In Memory of Bill Hansell" written in the memo line and sent to ICMA, Attn.: ICMA Hansell Fund, 777 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20002-4201.