Hot Springs Village names Ken Unger new General Manager

At the December 18 Board meeting, Ken Unger was named as the new General Manager of Hot Springs Village by the Board of Directors. GM Unger is taking the reins from Kelly Hale, who served in the position for almost three years. This promotion, officially beginning on January 1, aligns with his job experience in and out of the Village in his previous roles and transitions. Ken Unger has a history of leadership in public services, notably as the Director of HSVPOA Public Services, where he assumed a key leadership role, managing significant infrastructure projects and operational efficiencies.

Unger has said, ‘The mission of our Public Services team is to help ensure our infrastructure is on a reliable and sustainable path that supports our needs today and in the future.’”

Ken Unger has had a notable career in public services and management, with several key highlights:

• Director of Public Services, Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association (HSVPOA): Ken Unger served in this role where he was responsible for overseeing all public services, including water, sewer, sanitation, public works, facilities management, lakes, dams, and common property. His tenure was marked by:
  • Infrastructure Development: He spearheaded significant infrastructure projects like the design of the rehabilitation of the water system and wastewater treatment facilities; Unger has also worked closely with Permitting and Inspection to ensure the goals between the two organizations align.
  • Efficiency in Operations: Realigning the Public Services Division, Unger implemented cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies that improved the quality of services while managing budgets effectively.
  • Leadership Skills: His ability to lead teams, negotiate contracts, and manage complex projects was well-regarded. Unger is known for picking the right people for the job and rewarding employees for jobs well done.
  • Community Engagement: He was renowned for his approach to community involvement, ensuring that projects and services aligned with community needs and expectations.
  • Crisis Management: Unger has experience managing crises, particularly those related to utility services, ensuring continuity and quick restoration of services. This expertise was showcased through his effective handling and coordination during winter storms and tornado-related emergencies.

Unger said he has a civil engineering background and was a Director at Verizon in three different areas: operations, engineering, and network performance. He hopes to employ his skills utilized at the POA and Verizon to support and do what is required to keep the momentum going on infrastructure maintenance and improvement and oversee wise marketing strategy for sustainable growth.

Unger stated, “I bought a home in the Village in 2012. I retired here in 2015, and as part of the regime change when certain individuals left, I offered my services to try to resolve issues across the POA that were within the realm of public services responsibility which covers everything from common property, roads, water, sewer – pretty much everything except recreation and golf is under the umbrella of Public Services.” Unger said he started as Public Services Director in May of 2022, two years and eight months ago.

Ken Unger and his wife Susan have two children and two grandchildren. When not working, he loves to golf and pickleball — especially pickleball. He won a gold medal in pickleball at the Senior Olympics in Arkansas and a silver medal at a national pickleball tournament in New Mexico.

By Cheryl Dowden