CRESTWOOD, MO December 9, 2020 – The Crestwood Board of Aldermen unanimously appointed two new Department Heads during the December 8th Board of Aldermen Meeting.
Jonathan Williams, currently a Lieutenant with the Webster Groves Police Department, will be the City’s next Chief of Police, succeeding Ron Compton, who retired earlier this year.
Lieutenant Williams has nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career with Webster Groves in 2000, and advanced through the organization, serving as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. He also completed a detachment with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. As a Lieutenant, Mr. Williams has been an engaged leader of that Department, and received numerous commendations, including Officer of the Year in 2002. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from DePauw University in 2000, and in 2019 he graduated with Honors while earning a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University. In 2020 he completed the Command College through the Missouri Police Chief’s Charitable Foundation.
“Lieutenant Williams’ experience and qualifications are impressive,” said Mayor Grant Mabie. “The Board of Aldermen and I are confident that Lieutenant Williams will continue to build upon the Crestwood Police Department’s well-deserved reputation for excellence.”
Eilien Ramirez, who currently serves as Crestwood’s Manager of Recreation, was appointed to be the City’s next Director of Parks and Recreation, a position which has been vacant since 2010.
Ms. Ramirez has over 24 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation. Since 2017 she has been Crestwood’s Manager of Recreation, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Recreation Department, Community Center, and Aquatic Center. Ms. Ramirez earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education – Sports Management from Blackburn College in 1992. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and a Certified Aquatic Facility Operator. She earned statewide recognition from the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association as a Distinguished Aquatic Professional in 2014, and as a Distinguished Fitness Professional in 2016. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association.
Mayor Grant Mabie noted the high value Crestwood residents place on parks and recreation: “To reflect the importance of those services, the City will benefit from a dedicated, experienced professional leading those operations at the Director level so that we can continue our excellent level of service. Ms. Ramirez is the best person for this job, and we are thrilled to have her as our next Parks and Recreation Director.”
Press Release (PDF)