Director of Metropolitan Development Mourned

From: Mayors Office: (EVANSVILLE, IN)- Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and his administration are mourning the loss of W.Gregg LaMar. Gregg passed away this afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Mayor Weinzapfel appointed LaMar Executive Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development in 2004. “Gregg was a good friend, trusted advisor, and a man of many ideas,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “He played an integral role in many projects that are helping improve our City like Front Door Pride, downtown and economic development, just to name a few.” LaMar’s wife, Polly, says Gregg was most proud of the work that had been accomplished with the Front Door Pride program. He once commented that Front Door Pride had been his day-to-day companion since his first interview in Evansville with then mayor-elect Weinzapfel in 2003. LaMar was also very proud of the Summer Youth Program, which helps clean up Front Door Pride neighborhoods. Gregg LaMar had acquired a great deal of experience with public administration prior to his work in Evansville. LaMar was the director of Redevelopment/Economic Development as well as the City Controller/Human Resources for the City of New Albany, Indiana. In Fort Wayne, he was the Division Director of Community and Economic Development. Lamar served as City Manager in Elmira, New York as well as Springfield, Ohio. He was special assistant to the City Manager in Hartford, Connecticut, and City Controller for Muncie, Indiana. Lamar received his undergraduate degree and a Master of Public Administration from Ball State University. Gregg and his wife, Polly, were married by Mayor Weinzapfel on July 23rd, 2004. Gregg liked Evansville and considered it his home. Polly says they wanted to retire here. Gregg is also survived by his two sons, Nathan and Jason, and three grandchildren- Grant, Savannah, and Tug. Funeral arrangements are pending. Gregg LaMar was 61 years old.