The City of Milford is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Coleman as its next City Manager, effective August 4, 2025. Coleman brings over three decades of dedicated service in municipal government, most recently serving as Town Administrator in Westwood, Massachusetts.
Coleman was selected following a thorough nationwide search conducted by MGT recruiting firm. With an impressive 30 years of experience in public administration, Coleman has a well-established track record of leadership, innovation, and community engagement across five Massachusetts municipalities.
“Chris will be a welcomed leader to the City of Milford staff and the community,” said Mark Whitfield, current City Manager. “His deep experience in local government and his strong commitment to community-centered leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and improve city services.”
Coleman began his public service career as a summer intern in Marblehead, MA, and quickly rose through the ranks, holding positions including Treasurer/Collector, Assistant Town Administrator, Director of Human Resources, and Assistant Town Manager. In 2019, he became the Town Administrator for Westwood, Massachusetts—a community of 16,000 residents with a $116 million municipal budget.
During his tenure in Westwood, Coleman led and assisted with major initiatives such as the development of a new elementary school, successful navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant collective bargaining achievements, and the advancement of critical infrastructure projects including a proposed new fire headquarters. He also played a key role in securing and managing over $4.9 million in federal ARPA funding to support strategic community improvements.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the next City Manager for Milford, and to follow in the footsteps of such a respected leader and individual as Mark Whitfield,” stated Coleman. “The inclusive and thoughtful selection process—which involved the Mayor, City Council, Department Heads, and surrounding municipal managers—left a strong impression on me. It not only gave me a deeper understanding of Milford, but more importantly, allowed me to connect with the dedicated individuals I will have the privilege of working alongside. I am excited to collaborate with Mayor Culotta and the entire City Council in supporting and advancing the City’s goals. I look forward to earning my place on this exceptional team and contributing to the work of passionate professionals who genuinely care about their city, their colleagues, and the positive impact they make every day in our community.”
Coleman is a ICMA Credentialed City Manager and is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association, and the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
