Getting to know new Stillwater City Manager Kimberly Meek

Mar. 1—In December 2023, Kimberly Meek "hit the ground running" as the City of Stillwater's new manager.

Meek replaced Norman McNickle, who worked for the City of Stillwater for four decades. At the time she took the job, Brady Moore was interim city manager; he is now assistant city manager.

Meek, 51, is the first female to hold the official position of City Manager for Stillwater.

In the few months since her start, with spring almost here, a lot has happened with the City regarding big plans for infrastructure, economic and business development, a new comprehensive strategic plan for growth and people moving forward with renovating and building exciting new education and cultural centers, and more.

Additionally, leapfrogging on the boon of growth and redevelopment in the public sector, other sectors are growing, too, such as in health, education and business.

The News Press checked in with Meek to see how the job is going and hear from her about her life now in Stillwater.

We know you are not from Stillwater, but did a lot of research before taking the position and moving here, and previously worked as the City Manager in Duncan and city manager and finance director for the City of Guymon.

Where did you grow up and go to college and what did you earn your degree(s) in?

I graduated from Hugoton Public Schools in Kansas. I earned my undergraduate degree in Accounting from Oklahoma Panhandle State University and my graduate degree in Leadership/Organizational Design and Development from Oklahoma Christian University.

What did you excel in during college and were you involved in any sports or other collegiate groups?

I was a very focused student and took advantage of the opportunity to learn in-depth more about the world of finance. I also became a professional parallel parker (joking about college campus parking).

Did you take a "gap" year and do any travel? If so, where did you go? If not, have you traveled and where are your favorite places or cultures?

I took a 15-year gap during college and had a family. Then I returned to college to finish my degrees. While in college, I worked three jobs, got married and had two children. I have traveled to Jamaica, Mexico and several states.

My husband John and I are getting ready to travel to Scotland and London.

That's exciting! Do you have pets or animals? If so, please tell us about them.

I have three cats, all rescues. Their names are Roark and Dagny (from books by author Ayn Rand) and Daenerys (of the drama-fantasy series "Game of Thrones").

Did you have any military service or other public service experience or volunteerism? What is your experience in working with the military and/or veterans and what is notable?

My father, father-in-law and husband are all veterans. I highly appreciate and respect all men and women for serving in the military to protect the freedoms and livelihoods we often take for granted.

When and how did you know you wanted to be in public service? Please tell us how that evolved.

I did not begin my career focused on public service. However, as I obtained my education and pursued career options, it was apparent to me that I have a heart for service and there is no better profession.

My first role as interim City Manager was in Guymon due to an emergency situation. It was not until my ability to lead was challenged that I fully embraced my character, qualifications and dedication to fill the role in the best possible way for our community and residents. A few months later I was hired as the official City Manager.

Did you have any experiences earlier in your career that helped form who you are now as a City Manager and do you have any fun stories?

Of course there are many fun stories. However, the difficult experiences are typically the ones that shape character and gage a person's determination.

I learned early on that there is beauty in resiliency and strength in learning. I have never hesitated to ask for advice and encourage others to share their perspectives with me.

You have re-located to Stillwater. How are you finding the town and the townspeople and what are you finding to be some of your favorite things?

Before applying for the position of City Manager, I visited a few times to experience some organizations and events as a visitor who was considering moving to Stillwater.

I received a warm welcome every time and an abundance of hospitality and kindness. I have greatly enjoyed meeting more people throughout our many organizations and institutions.

Stillwater is a city on the rise to even greater success — there is an excitement in the air and most want to collaborate and work together for the overall good. I'm looking forward to our continued progress.

Some of my favorite things include utilizing our local assets — shopping, dining, parks and overall living amenities. Stillwater has multiple options to meet life's needs and entertainment.

What do you like to do the most for hobbies and recreation now and does your new home help you in those passion pursuits?

I have enjoyed equestrian most recently but not been able to pick that back up again just yet. Right now, I am utilizing my time to meet new people, learn more about Stillwater and surrounding communities.

If I have evening and weekend spare time, I typically utilize that time to catch up with my husband, our adult kids and our cats. I have enjoyed joining yoga classes recently, as well.

Do you find it's easy to get to know people in Stillwater and Payne County?

Yes — everyone is incredibly kind and welcoming. I have made many new friends and partnerships, and look forward to strengthening these relationships and creating more as I meet more community members and others.

You've said your goals are to prioritize government accounting, financial reporting, organization and leadership in that order. How is that going for you and your office?

I want to develop a culture of connectivity and availability throughout our departments. Therefore, I recently restructured the City Manager's Office in an effort to provide more support and resources for each of our departments.

A more tangible City Management presence within our organizational structure in-turn increases availability and quality of service to and for our community.

Do you have clear vision for the future of Stillwater as a city manager? If so, can you briefly describe it?

My vision is in alignment with Mayor Will Joyce and our City Council. We work very closely together and we are excited to embrace the economic renaissance Stillwater is experiencing right now and to leverage this energy for future growth and success.

We are focused on addressing infrastructure needs such as our regional water projects, transportation and roadway projects, energy efficiency efforts with LED lighting and increased safety and health initiatives.

Thank you, City Manager Kimberly Meek for helping everyone get to know you!