After more than four decades working inside Murray City government, Kim Sorenson is stepping into a role that places him at the center of day-to-day municipal operations. Recently appointed as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Sorenson brings with him institutional knowledge shaped by years of service across one of the city’s most visible departments.

Sorenson’s appointment to the Chief Administrative Officer position was made by Mayor Brett Hales, marking a notable milestone in a career that began at the ground level of city service. Sorenson started with Murray City as a parks maintenance worker, a role that placed him directly in the city’s neighborhoods and public spaces, maintaining parks and facilities residents use every day. 

Kim Sorenson addresses the Murray City Council for the first time as Chief Administrative Officer. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

For Sorenson, the move into the CAO role represents both continuity and culmination. “After more than 40 years with Murray City, stepping into the Chief Administrative Officer role feels like a natural and meaningful next step in my career,” he said. His career has been largely rooted in Parks and Recreation, where he oversaw a broad portfolio that included parks, recreation programs, the golf course, city facilities, cultural arts, the senior center and the cemetery. “These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how our services impact residents’ daily lives and how important collaboration is to deliver those services well,” Sorenson said.

While the CAO position may not always be visible to residents, its influence is wide-reaching. Sorenson described the role as one focused on professional management and implementation. “The Chief Administrative Officer is Murray City’s chief professional manager and assists the mayor with the day-to-day operations of the city,” he said. “While the mayor and city council set policy and direction, the CAO carries out those decisions by overseeing city departments, managing staff and ensuring essential services, such as public safety, public works and community services, are delivered efficiently and responsibly.”

In his first year, Sorenson said his focus will be on stability and communication rather than sweeping change. “During my first year, my priority is continuity, stability and strong communication across the organization,” he said. He noted that his long tenure gives him insight into how departments function and where listening is most important. “Early on, my focus will be on supporting the mayor and city council’s priorities, maintaining high service levels for residents and keeping the city financially responsible while being efficient and responsible.”

Kim Sorenson as director of Murray Parks and Recreation. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Sorenson’s background in Parks and Recreation has shaped how he approaches citywide leadership. “My background in Parks and Recreation required managing a large and diverse workforce and working closely with every city department to deliver high-quality services and programs for Murray residents,” he said. Because the department intersects with public works, utilities, finance and public safety, he said success depended on coordination and problem-solving across departments. “That experience has shaped my approach to citywide management and will serve me well as CAO by emphasizing teamwork, efficient coordination and a focus on delivering reliable services that benefit the entire community.”

As Murray continues to evolve, Sorenson said balancing growth with the city’s long-standing character will be an ongoing challenge. He pointed to financial pressures that cities nationwide are facing, including rising costs associated with providing services and retaining employees. “Murray benefits from a strong sense of community, a history of thoughtful leadership, and a level of independence that is rare,” he said, noting that the city operates its own power, water, police, fire and parks systems. He also highlighted Murray’s comparatively low property tax rate, which he said reflects decades of careful planning.

Looking ahead, Sorenson emphasized the need for deliberate decision-making. “Moving forward, growth needs to be managed in a way that protects what residents enjoy today while ensuring the city remains financially sustainable,” he said. That includes supporting development that provides long-term value while continuing to invest in core services.

When faced with difficult decisions, Sorenson said his approach is guided by fairness and transparency. “When making difficult decisions, especially when resources are limited, I am guided by the same principles emphasized by Mayor Hales: doing what is best for Murray City while treating people with fairness, respect and kindness,” he said.

Despite his professional responsibilities, Sorenson said his connection to Murray is deeply personal. “Throughout my career, I’ve truly enjoyed working for and serving the residents of Murray,” he said. Outside of work, he spends time with his wife Cindy, their four children, and eight grandchildren. “Family time keeps me grounded and reminds me why community and quality of life matter so much.”