On Dec. 1, Jeremy Williammee will assume the role of community development director for Jefferson County.

Williammee, one of five finalists for the position, joins the department following a career as a foreign service officer and diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

In that role, he led governance, transparency and community development programs around the globe, focused on improving public service delivery, strengthening accountability systems and fostering partnerships among local governments, community organizations and the private sector. 

He holds a master’s degree in public administration and international affairs and a bachelor’s degree in history. 

Williammee is looking forward to joining the county, saying he is “honored to join Jefferson County and excited to work alongside the dedicated team at the department of community development.” 

“This is a remarkable community with a strong sense of place and shared purpose,” he said. “I look forward to helping advance the county’s priorities for housing, resilience, sustainable economic growth and community engagement by building on what’s already working as we continue to grow, improve and ensure that our systems serve people efficiently, transparently and fairly.” 

In his new role, Williammee will lead more than 20 full-time staff members and manage a nearly $4 million budget, reporting directly to the county administrator. He is tasked with organizing the department’s functions, mentoring staff and setting the culture and tone of the workplace, according to the Prothman job listing. 

As listed, the position pays a salary range of $113,928 to $136,036, plus a comprehensive benefits package. 

The hiring process included two rounds of application windows, a community open house and an interview before a 13-member panel composed of county-elected officials, staff and representatives from partner agencies. 

Prothman, a national recruiting service, led the search, attracting applicants from several states with varying professional backgrounds and strengths. 

A hiring committee made up of County Administrator Josh Peters, County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette and the interim director Chelsea Pronovost made the final decision.

Peters said he is confident Williammee is a match for the job. 

“Jeremy’s extensive experience and demonstrated skill in managing programs and achieving community development objectives abroad will be put to good use in our county both with day-to-day management of the permit center at DCD and for broader economic and community development to enhance our collective prospects and quality of life.” 

Dudley-Nollette said the committee was impressed by and grateful for the input they received during the hiring process. 

“We were so fortunate to have five high-quality finalists who all wanted to contribute to Jefferson County’s success,” she said. “In the end, we made a choice that we believe will benefit our community’s varied needs and we are so excited to welcome Jeremy to help us craft the future of public service here at home.”