Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Herndon Town Council appointed William “Bill” Ashton II as town manager, effective July 1.
Ashton had been serving as acting town manager since February, following the retirement of previous Town Manager Art Anselene.
“The town’s search for a new town manager was vigorous and thorough, with applicants from throughout the commonwealth and the nation,” Merkel said in a press release. “Throughout the interview process, and over the past four months as Bill has served as acting town manager, it became clear to me and to my council colleagues that his leadership, experience and expertise are exactly what the town needs at this critical juncture. Redevelopment of our downtown, preparation for Metro and other key projects require a steady hand, keen instincts and knowledge of town policy – all of which Bill has capably demonstrated.”
“Most importantly, he has the respect of, and appreciation for, our exceptional staff,” Merkel added. “We are delighted to appoint Bill to the town’s top administrative post.”
Ashton joined the town’s staff in 1998 as Herndon’s first director of Information Technology, responsible for development and implementation of technologies that assist all town departments in providing services to town citizens. During his tenure, the town received national recognition as a public sector technology leader.
Previously, Ashton worked in IT positions of increasing responsibility, both in the private sector and the federal government. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus in management information systems from James Madison University and a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University.