Vernon J. Gerth joined the City of Franklin in January 2007 as the City’s first Assistant City Administrator for Community and Economic Development. His primary responsibilities include managerial oversight of the following departments: Planning & Sustainability; Engineering; and Building & Neighborhood Services.

Vernon’s passion for public service has spanned 25 years and has served the cities of Kenosha, Wisconsin and Vernon Hills, Illinois. Prior to pursuing a career in public service, Vernon was employed as a project manager for a commercial building contractor.

Vernon received his BA and MBA from Concordia University–Wisconsin and is a certified Economic Development Professional (CEcD). He is a member of several professional organizations that include the International City/County Management Association, International Economic Development Council, and Franklin Tomorrow.

Vernon recognizes that Franklin is a special and unique place that offers a desirable quality of life. He embraces the philosophy that public input is essential to preserving Franklin’s historic resources, encouraging reinvestment in mature neighborhoods, and securing quality, sustainable development.

With his wife, Shari, a music teacher at the Battle Ground Academy Lower School, they have two grown children, son, Jordan and daughter, Kaylyn. Contact Vernon Gerth at (615) 550-6671.

Kristine Brock serves as the Assistant City Administrator for Finance and Administration for the City of Franklin. She has oversight of the following departments:  Finance; Information Technology; Municipal Court; Purchasing; and Transit.

Kristine started with the city in January 2017.  Prior to her work at the City of Franklin, she served as Director of Management and Budget for the City of Maryville, Tennessee.  She also worked with Gwinnett County, Georgia as Budget Director, and in the private sector for Public Financial Management as a Senior Managing Consultant.  Brock holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville College. 

“I am humbled for the opportunity to join the team of the City of Franklin, one of the most highly regarded places to live in the State of Tennessee.  With its long tradition of sound financial management and services of the highest quality, the City of Franklin has long been an example of best practices for local governments across our state and even the nation.   I look forward to working together with elected officials, administration and staff to continue the highest quality of life expected by the residents of the city,” said Brock. 

“Kristine will be a great asset to the City of Franklin as we move forward,” said City Administrator Stuckey.  “We look forward to adding Kristine to our City Leadership Team. She is not only a skilled professional, but also a respected leader in her profession.”  In addition to her strong professional background, she was recently selected as an Executive Committee member for the Tennessee Government Finance Officers Association (TGFOA) and has been appointed to the prestigious Debt Committee of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  She is also a board member of the Tennessee Chapter of Women in Public Finance.

Contact Kristine Brock at (615) 550-6691.

Mark Hilty serves as the City’s Assistant City Administrator for Public Works. The Assistant City Administrator for Public Works is responsible for the leadership and management of four key service departments: Streets, Parks, Water Management, and Sanitation and Environmental Services.

Hilty joined the City of Franklin in 2006 becoming Water Management Director in 2007. As Water Management Director, he has been responsible for planning and directing all Water Management operations and administration. Hilty helped lead the development of the City’s Integrated Water Management Plan (IWRP) which provided a 30-year “blue print” for the management of all facets of water resources including drinking water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and stormwater.  The IWRP focuses on sustainability and stewardship of our natural resources, including extensive modeling regarding the community’s impact on the Harpeth River. This plan which is the first of its kind in Tennessee.

“Mark has been an excellent leader for Water Management over the past 10 years and I look forward to his future contributions in leading our Public Works team,” stated Mr. Stuckey. “Mark and our team share a deep commitment to providing excellent service to our citizens and to planning for the long term needs of our growing, prosperous community.”

Prior to coming to the City, Hilty worked as a consulting engineer, performing work on water, wastewater, and hazardous waste projects with a focus on municipal water and wastewater master planning. He has performed work throughout Tennessee and has participated in projects throughout the United States. Hilty has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut and has served in the U.S. Army infantry.

“I am truly honored to have been selected for this position,” says Hilty. “I love working with the staff at the City and look forward to working with each of the public works departments as we continue to provide our residents with the best possible service.”

You can reach Mark at (615) 791-3217.