City Manager Villa receives Excellence in Government award

Menifee City Manager Armando Villa was honored this week with a 2020 Excellence in Government award, presented by the Municipal Management Association of Southern California.

Villa received the award at Wednesday night’s City Council meeting. He was honored virtually during a broadcast of MMASC’s annual conference last week. MMASC honors one local government professional annually with the award.

According to a City of Menifee news release, the award is given “to an MMASC member who has made a significant contribution to the public service profession or advanced the success of others by affording professional development opportunities, with an emphasis placed on a singular significant accomplishment. Nominations for this award are submitted by professionals in the local government field.

“Mr. Villa’s nomination noted the many innovative programs and streamlined processes he has helped implement for the City of Menifee to ensure efficiency is at its maximum. He encourages collaboration between staff and consistently recognizes contributions from members of the Menifee team. Mr. Villa encourages professional development and is beginning an internal mentorship program for staff. His open-door policy has created a fun, productive work culture in the City of Menifee that has highly boosted employment interest in the City, making it a Top Workplace for three consecutive years.”

Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman was part of the presentation at Wednesday’s council meeting.

"We are pleased that our city manager has been recognized by MMASC,” Zimmerman said. “Mr. Villa's leadership style has set a positive and professional atmosphere at City Hall. His continued support of employee growth and development makes our City a top workplace and helps attract quality employees to serve our residents.”

“I am honored to be selected as the 2020 MMASC Excellence in Government award recipient,” Villa said. “MMASC’s mission echoes many of my guiding principles as a local government leader. Connection and innovation are critical components to the way I serve as a City Manager and they are qualities I try to foster in my team.

“I have always believed strongly that cities can operate with a forward-thinking mentality. Receiving this award makes me want to continue to think outside of the box, push back barriers, and strive for innovation.”