Evesham Township once again has turned to a former police department executive to lead the administration of Township departments as the municipality's chief executive.
Former Police Chief Walter L. Miller, a nearly 30-year Evesham resident, was named as the new township manager at a Township Council meeting on Wednesday evening.
Miller started in the police department as a patrol officer in 1997 and rose to police chief in 2022 and retired at the end of last year. As township manager, he will be paid $190,000 a year, according to the Council's appointment resolution.
"Walt Miller's willingness to serve the Evesham community is without question," Mayor Jaclyn Veasy said in a statement. "He's a natural leader, who also values the importance of working with others to ensure everyone's unique skills contribute to the best outcomes possible. He has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to anticipate the needs of future and plan accordingly."
One Township political source, who praised Miller's career in the police department, said a key task will be to provide a vision that has been missing in the township manager's office. The position has been filled temporarily by Township employees since former manager Robert Corrales resigned in 2023. Corrales joined the Camden Community Partnership as vice president.
In the past 25 years, Evesham has turned to veterans of its police department to be township manager.
Former Police Chief Michael Barth served as manager from 2018-19 and former police Captain William Cromie served from 2012-2014. The decision to look to former police executives to run the administration of the Township makes sense because in their roles they typically had been involved in the inner workings of the Township's departments, the source said.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue my service in this community," Miller said in a statement. "I know that I have much more to contribute, that will have a positive impact on our municipal services, our residents and our staff. ...I know the future of this community is bright, and together we will accomplish some great things."
Miller has been active in youth sports in Evesham and has served as the Marlton Recreation Council's trustee, president and as a coach.Â
From the Township announcement about Miller, who received his bachelor's degree from Rowan University in 1996:
"Among his many certifications and trainings in and out of his policing career, Miller holds a master of administrative science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, with certificates in law enforcement executive studies and global leadership."
Miller also graduated the Certified Public Manager program through Rutgers University School of Public Affairs and Administration, after which he joined the faculty as a part-time professor...teaching organizational communication, leading change, managing teams, problem solving and decision making, project management as well as risk management."
Miller also serves as a part-time professor for Fairleigh Dickinson University, School of Public and Global Affairs teaching executive leadership."
