December 17, 2009
Mary Bunting Selected as First Female Hampton City Manager
On Wednesday, December 9 Assistant City Manager Mary Bunting was selected as the new city manager for the City of Hampton.
Bunting is the first female city manager for the City of Hampton since the position was created in 1956. Bunting followed in her mother’s footsteps as her mother is the current city manager of Roanoke and also enjoyed an illustrious career in public service.
“As a Hampton native and graduate of Hampton High School, it is truly an honor to be named city manager of this great city,” said Mary Bunting. “This is a lifelong dream and I am excited about the opportunity to continue working with the City Council, employees, and citizens for the betterment of our community.”
Bunting began her career with the City of Hampton as an assistant to the city manager in January of 1990. In January 1995 Bunting was promoted to assistant city manager.
Highlights of her career include the creation of the award-winning 311 Customer Call Center, consolidation of three separate permit functions into a Central Permit Office, development of Hampton’s Crime and Grime campaign, organization of innovative neighborhood initiatives including the creation of the Neighborhood Office, and coordination of the city’s emergency planning and response to include recovery efforts after Hurricane Isabel and Tropical Storm Ernesto.
“Mary is a natural leader who is innovative and committed to serving the citizens of Hampton,” said Mayor Molly Ward. “As our new city manager, her extensive experience, education and passion for the job will be valuable assets as she works with staff to face the challenges ahead and move our city forward.”
Bunting holds a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. Bunting has three children Parker, Carter, and Hannah with her husband, Mark.
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Media Contacts: Dianne R. Foster, Public Information Officer, Rebecca Bolte, Public Communications Manager