City of Columbia names new deputy city manager

The City of Columbia announced on Twitter on Thursday that a new deputy city manager has been selected.

JJ Musgrove, the director of Cultural Affairs for the city, will have an annual salary of $144,000 and have a standard department director benefit package, which includes a $285 monthly vehicle allowance, healthcare and retirement benefits.

According to the release, “Musgrove, the director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Columbia since 2013, was chosen from a nationwide field of 104 applicants to fill the deputy city manager position vacated by Tony St. Romaine in 2016.”

Read the City of Columbia’s full statement below:

“On Thursday, April 13, Columbia City Manager Mike Matthes announced the hiring of the City’s new deputy city manager. ‘After an exhaustive nationwide search for the deputy city manager position, I am pleased to announce the promotion of JJ Musgrove to the position of deputy city manager effective Monday, May 1,’ Matthes said. ‘I am also pleased that, despite seeing strong candidates from outside of the city, we continue to find the right candidate from within.’

Musgrove, the director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Columbia since 2013, was chosen from a nationwide field of 104 applicants to fill the deputy city manager position vacated by Tony St. Romaine in 2016.

In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree from Graceland University, Musgrove has two master’s degrees; a Master of Science in organizational leadership with an emphasis in servant leadership from Columbus State University and a Master of Arts in theater from the University of Central Missouri. Musgrove also holds a professional certification in local government management from the International City Managers Association (ICMA) and is a certified organizational coach. After attending a Building Inclusive Community (BIC) workshop, Musgrove was so moved by the experience that he enrolled in and completed the 140 hour training course and is now a certified BIC trainer to teach other City employees about diversity and inclusion.

‘Our citizens demand that we find not only qualified people to fill a high profile role such as this, but also a person who is fully committed to building relationships both within and outside of city government,’ said Matthes. ‘During the interviews, one thing which struck the panelist consisting of City staff and external partners, was JJ’s focus on inclusion and coaching. He has a very clear understanding of both topics and how they can help the City achieve our Strategic Plan.’

Musgrove will oversee the departments of Information Technology, Law, Parks and Recreation, Human Resources and Public Health and Human Services.

Musgrove’s annual salary will be $144,000 plus a standard department director benefit package including a $285 monthly vehicle allowance, healthcare and retirement benefits.

A public reception for Musgrove will be held on Tuesday, May 9 between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. at in conference rooms 1A and B at City Hall, 701 East Broadway.”