By Bridget Raymundo | [email protected]

In January, the Millcreek City Council voted unanimously to instate Mike Winder as the new City Manager following John Geilmann who retired in 2020. Since then, Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini had been upholding the responsibilities prior to the recent appointment of Winder.

“Since his appointment as Assistant City Manager, Mike has gained the confidence of all of our city department heads and the members of the city council,” said Silvestrini. “He has and will continue to serve our business community as Economic Development Director.” The mayor continued, “Mike has been innovative and has demonstrated superior skills and a collaborative temperament. I look forward to working with Mike in this expanded role and I am confident that we will remain a great team serving the interests of our residents[LL1] .”

Since January, Winder has been serving as Millcreek’s Assistant City Manager allowing him to build a pathway to the current transition. Further preparations were observed by Winder through his municipal experience in his time as West Valley City’s business development manager, city councilman and mayor. In his past, Winder has chaired the Salt Lake Valley Conference of Mayors as the West Valley City Mayor and demonstrated his leadership skills as president of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. His educational background encompasses a bachelor’s of arts and master’s of business administration from the University of Utah. On top of that, Winder completed time at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government at an executive program. Starting in February 2018, he worked as the Economic Development Director, and he plans to continue his work in this longtime role in addition to his promotion as City Manager.

“I have enjoyed my 14 years in elected office, and I will dearly miss the great people I serve within the legislature,” Winder said. “However, I love local government and as Utah’s newest city there are tremendous opportunities at Millcreek. I’m excited to continue my work with the amazing team and community here.”

The expected city manager appointment is scheduled for March 7, 2022 in conclusion of the Utah legislative session. Since Jan. 1, 2017, Winder has acted as a Republican representative for District 30 of Utah. Therefore, Winder will finish his third term as a member of the 37-member Utah House of Representatives without intentions of pursuing re-election in 2022.

“Rep. Winder is a devoted public servant who is deeply dedicated to his work,” said speaker Brad Wilson. “During his time in the House, Rep. Winder has been a strong advocate for mental health, apprenticeship programs, education and the Jordan River corridor. While he will be missed in the legislature, I know he will continue to find ways to serve his community and the state beyond this role.”