Dr. Mark S. Watson, city manager in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has positively influenced the career paths of many young professionals since beginning his career in local government in 1981. A second-generation city manager, he has served in Yuma, Arizona; Billings, Montana; and Grapevine, Mission, Temple, and Stamford, Texas.

Watson is a frequent guest lecturer at universities nationwide and has been recognized for his contributions to the education and professional development of University of Tennessee master of public policy and administration students. On the job, Watson’s hands-off management style allows for staff to be innovative. Often, he will provide an end goal and guidance on where to start and allow the employee to put his or her skills to use to reach that goal. He makes himself available for feedback and checks in to make sure the task is moving forward.

Watson’s contributions to career development are best described by these lightly edited quotes from people he has recently mentored:

Bruce Applegate, assistant city manager, Alcoa, Tennessee: “My job as an assistant to the city manager in Oak Ridge was to take struggling programs and help them get to an effective level. Dr. Watson challenged me to learn everything about local government perspectives. If he hadn’t pushed me to try new positions, including personnel director, I wouldn’t have gotten the professional certifications I now hold.”

Lily Seabolt, development services coordinator, Knoxville, Tennessee: “During my time serving in Oak Ridge, Dr. Watson allowed me to grow professionally by participating in Leadership Oak Ridge and taking on special projects. I was given the opportunity to research and present an ordinance regulating 5G telecommunications to city council, which was both exciting and nerve-racking. Dr. Watson took a chance on me, and my experiences in Oak Ridge helped me land my current role. I plan on using the skills I gained under his mentorship to grow even further professionally.”

Matt Wojnowski, assistant city manager, Hutto, Texas: “Mark instantly instilled his trust and confidence in Temple, Texas, by encouraging me to work on several capital projects.” Wojnowski says Watson also taught him a lot about leadership.

He added that Watson also cared about him as a person and not just an employee, noting that Watson stopped by to visit after Wojnowski and his wife had their first child.

Lauren Gray, senior communications specialist, Oak Ridge: “Dr. Watson’s continued support and guidance have set me up for success in my new public information career in local government. I’ve really appreciated learning the backstory on some of the ongoing projects and the steps that need to be taken to move forward with a project. I’ve also had opportunities for further education at virtual conferences.”

Eric Ault, assistant to the city manager, Oak Ridge: “Dr. Mark Watson has been a great mentor to me. He takes the time to sit down and provide advice on how to lead a workforce and how to manage the projects and challenges of city management. In addition to mentoring and teaching, Dr. Watson gives me assignments that allow me to use his advice and develop the management style that suits me the best.”

Mike Webb, city manager, Edwardsville, Kansas: “When Mark and I worked in Grapevine, Texas, the city was going through growing pains, both internal and external. Unfortunately, Mark was a victim of ‘political winds’ and left the organization while being a consummate professional in Grapevine’s transition. It was a bit unnerving, but Mark gave me some great advice: ‘Just sit back and watch.’ In summary, Mark has helped me understand organizational dynamics early in my career, and it has served me well.” Testimonials like these support Watson’s selection for the Career Development Award.