COLUMBIA, MO (February 25, 2011) -

The public is invited to a retirement reception for City Manager Bill Watkins on Thursday, March 10, from 4-6 p.m. at the Riechmann Pavilion, Stephens Lake Park, 2300 East Walnut. There will be a special presentation to Watkins at 5:30 p.m.

Watkins was appointed by the City Council and assumed duties as city manager on Jan. 7, 2006. He announced his retirement on Oct. 4, 2010.

Watkins served as assistant city manager from December 1995 - Jan. 6, 2006. Prior to that, he served in the dual position of Director of Economic Development for the city of Columbia and as executive vice president of Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) from July 1988 – December 1995.

From October 1985 to July 1988, Watkins was vice president, Economic Development Division, at the Springfield, Ohio, Chamber of Commerce. He served as city manager of Wood River, Illinois, from October 1984 – July 1985 and as city manager of Newton Falls, Ohio, from April 1977 – October 1984. From January 1974 until April 1977, Watkins was an intern / administrative assistant in the City Manager’s Office with the city of Columbia.