Chambana Sun

City Manager Joan Walls has announced the appointment of Christopher Walton as the new Deputy City Manager of Champaign. Mr. Walton, who will begin his duties on June 2, 2025, brings over ten years of experience in municipal government to his new role.

Walton is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the Village of Savoy. In this position, he is responsible for budget administration, securing funding, leading economic development initiatives, ensuring human resources compliance, and managing community and intergovernmental relations. His past experience includes serving as Assistant to the City Manager in Champaign from 2018 to 2020, as well as holding positions in DuPage County and Lake Villa, Illinois.

City Manager Joan Walls commented on the appointment: “Christopher’s well-rounded experience in municipal government, his passion for the Champaign community, and his creativity and innovation made him the clear choice to serve as Champaign’s next Deputy City Manager. Throughout his career in public service, Christopher has continued to excel by taking on increasing levels of responsibility and exercising his strong leadership skills. Christopher is a true servant leader and I’m excited to have him join my executive management team where I know he’ll be a great asset to our community and the City organization.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Mr. Walton stated, “It is an honor and a privilege to serve in local government, and I am humbled by the City Manager’s confidence in me to continue that service with the City of Champaign. The City is blessed with a professional and dedicated staff who loyally serve their residents. I look forward to joining with them in continuing to provide legal, ethical, and fiscally responsible government services to Champaign’s residents and community stakeholders.”

Walton’s educational background includes a Master of Arts in Policy and Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Management from National Louis University. He is active in professional associations as a member of the International City/County Management Association, a Board Member of the Illinois City/County Management Association, and the President of the Downstate Illinois City/County Management Association.