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ABOUT US

We are dedicated to helping local governments succeed.

Sumter LGC is a local government consulting firm that provides a wide array of city government consulting services to clients to meet their unique needs. We develop and implement solutions that will improve the quality of life for residents, increase economic development opportunities, and enhance the capacity of our clients to meet the challenges of today’s ever-changing world.

Local governments thrive when they function as a well-organized operation focused on tackling key community issues. Our team brings vast experience in local government and city government consulting to help clients solve problems.

Some of our areas of expertise include:

  • Budgeting
  • Process Improvement
  • Community Engagement
  • Executive Search & Recruiting
  • Partnership Facilitation
  • Economic Growth
warren hutmacher headshot

WARREN HUTMACHER

Warren Hutmacher is the Owner and Principal of Sumter Local Government Consulting (“Sumter LGC”), formerly WHW Local Government Consulting. Sumter LGC provides clients with a wide variety of city government consulting services for local government clients to help them solve their most pressing problems. Sumter LGC serves both municipal clients, as well as businesses, nonprofits, and schools that interact with local governments. We believe deeply in developing long-term relationships and always putting our client’s best interests first.

Sumter LGC customizes services to the client’s needs, stays on top of industry trends, and oftentimes serves as an extension of the local government team.

Successful city government consulting starts with a solid understanding of how local governments work and thrive, which can best be gained through a wide variety of experiences. Warren Hutmacher has had the privilege of working with some great cities and municipalities throughout his career.

Warren has held the City Manager position for the City of Hutto (TX), the City of Johns Creek (GA), the City of Dunwoody (GA), the City of Norcross (GA), the City of Avondale Estates (GA), and was Assistant to the City Manager for Marietta (GA).

Warren Hutmacher also brings experience in the private sector, as Principal, Municipal Services, for CPL in Suwanee, Georgia.

All this experience has enabled Warren Hutmacher to understand the challenges a wide diversity of local governments face from a broad range of perspectives. Warren has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and passionate advocate for well-run cities. He will build upon a successful track record enabling each city to meet its unique challenges and serve its communities with honor.

RESUME
city of hutto logo
cpl logo
johns creek logo
city of dunwoody logo
city of norcross logo

City of Hutto, TX
City Manager

CPL
Principal, Municipal Services

City of Johns Creek, GA
City Manager

City of Dunwoody, GA
City Manager

City of Norcross, GA
City Manager

city of avondale estates logo
city of marietta logo
state seal of georgia
city of marietta logo

City of Avondale Estates, GA
City Manager

City of Marietta, GA
Assistant to the City Manager

State of Georgia
Governors Office of Planning & Budget
Budget and Policy Analyst

City of Marietta, GA
Deputy City Clerk

EDUCATION

Warren Hutmacher attended the University of Delaware, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in History. Warren attained his Masters Public Administration (M.P.A) from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

university of delaware logo

University of Delaware
BA, Political Science

the ohio state university logo

The Ohio State University
MPA, Public Administration

icma logo

International City Manager
Association (ICMA)
25+ Years Membership

SHAWN GILLEN

Shawn Gillen is a Senior Vice President of Sumter Local Government Consulting (“Sumter LGC”).  Shawn joined the firm in November, 2023.

With a long track record in local government, Shawn has served as a Mayor, City Administrator, and City Manager in Illinois, Minnesota, and Georgia. He recently served as the City Manager in Doraville, GA, and Tybee Island, GA.

In addition to his leadership experience, Shawn brings a PhD and years of teaching at the university level to the table. His academic research centers around public finance and budgeting.  Shawn is also a published author on the topic of City/County Consolidation.  His unique skills and experiences will allow him to be a valued problem solver for local governments

RESUME

City of Tybee Island, GA
City Manager

City of Doraville, GA
City Manager

City of Grand Rapids, MN
City Administrator

Lexington Fayette Co., KY
Council Administrator

City of Monmouth, IL
Mayor

EDUCATION

Shawn Gillen attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and was a member of the Hawkeyes football team. Shawn attained both his Masters  (M.P.A) and Doctorate (Ph.D) from the University of Kentucky.

University of Iowa
BA, English Literature

University of Kentucky
MPA, Public Administration

University of Kentucky
PhD, Public Administration

BILLY GROGAN

Billy Grogan is a Senior Vice President of Sumter Local Government Consulting (“Sumter LGC”).  Billy joined the firm in June, 2024.

With a long track record in local government and law enforcement, Billy has served as a Police Chief, Interim City Manager, Instructor and Leadership Consultant. He recently retired as the first Chief of Police for the City of Dunwoody, GA.

Billy has a MPA from Kennesaw State University and is a graduate of the 193 session of the FBI National Academy. He is an accomplished author and subject matter expert on the use of social media in law enforcement.He has a long list of accolades and accomplishments in law enforcement, including serving as the President of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and board service on the International Association of Chiefs of Police Human and Civil Rights Committee.

Billy will be helping local governments solve complex problems in law enforcement and leadership as well as helping clients with executive search and staffing challenges.

RESUME
city of dunwoody logo
city of marietta logo

City of Dunwoody, GA
Police Chief

City of Marietta, GA
Deputy Police Chief

EDUCATION

Billy Grogan attended Kennesaw State University  graduating with both a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and his Masters Degree in Public Administration (M.P.A).

Billy, among other accolades is a graduate of the Georgia Command College and FBI National Academy (193rd session).  He is heavily involved with the Georgia Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Kennesaw State University
BS, Political Science and MPA, Public Administration

GARY LA VENIA

Gary La Venia is a Senior Vice President of Sumter Local Government Consulting (“Sumter LGC”).  Gary joined the firm in October, 2024.

Gary has enjoyed a long professional career serving others through his work in local government. Gary has served as a City Manager in Florida and New Jersey.

Gary earned both a Bachelors Degree and a Masters of Public Policy from Rutgers University. He has recently retired after a decade of service as the City Manager of Fruitland Park, FL. Gary has extensive expertise in shared services and economic development.

He has relocated to South Carolina and will be investing in building relationships in South Carolina and North Carolina as well as servicing clients in Florida and Georgia.

Gary will be helping local governments solve complex problems as well as aiding clients with executive search and staffing challenges.

RESUME

City of Fruitland Park, FL
City Manager

Maple Shade Twp., NJ
Township Manager

Burlington County, NJ County Director

EDUCATION

Gary La Venia attended Rutgers University  graduating with both a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and his Masters Degree in Public Policy (M.A).

Rutgers University
BA, Political Science and MA, Public Policy

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