It feels like just yesterday I was anxiously awaiting my first group of tennis campers, sweating through long, hot days, lugging 50-pound bags on each shoulder to resurface clay courts. I often miss those early mornings in the parks, chainsaw in hand or riding a mower, watching the sun rise over a quiet lake or catching deer roam freely as we readied for the day.
I miss the thrill of seeing an event come to life and the joy it brought to thousands. The anxious energy of a search, and the unmatched joy of a rescue. The kind of sleep that only comes after working from sunup well past sundown.
As time passed, the experiences evolved. I felt the warmth of resident appreciation, and the pressure of high-stakes negotiations. I learned to navigate the complex terrain of community advancement trying to dismantle barriers without disrupting the hopeful foundations beneath them. Each day shaped me for the better, because that’s what this city deserved. That’s what you expected.
Never one to enjoy disappointing others, I pushed myself to be whatever was needed. Whether building infrastructure to support growth and access, finalizing deals to bring jobs and investment, or fusing my passions into bold visions for the future, my heart was replenished again and again.
But perhaps the greatest gift was the chance to help others reach their professional goals. Watching wide-eyed newcomers to public service evolve into confident, seasoned leaders driving real change, that is a kind of fulfillment words rarely capture.
Public service is a roller coaster of emotion. It stretches every fiber of your being. You are driven by the will to help, yet constantly challenged by competing priorities.
I love this city. And it loved me back. It loved me in ways that made me better, made me understand what matters most. Maybe it took me longer than some would have liked, but I gave you everything I had. That included stress, yes, and on occasion blood, sweat, and tears. Once or twice, even near-death. And sometimes, I became the focus of public frustration. But through it all, I appreciated the smiles, the thank-yous, and most especially, the hugs.
I did this work because I believe in it and because I believe in you. I never quite felt like it was enough. There was never enough time. I made mistakes. I made progress. I kept going.
To those who choose this life of public service, I leave you with the simple philosophy that guided me: In the morning, ask yourself what you will accomplish. In the evening, ask yourself what you did.
This season has felt like a movie. And to borrow a line: “I have served. I will be of service.” This isn’t the end, it’s simply the closing of one chapter. If I’ve done my duty, then maybe there will be a sequel. A spinoff. Who knows? Maybe even a franchise.
I will miss the magic of seeing a well-crafted plan come to life, smiling through tense moments to reassure others, and watching the joy on people’s faces when our collective efforts bore fruit. I’ll miss handing out lapel pins to kids who came to council meetings, encouraging others to dream big, and all the little things that few ever saw.
Stepping away from public service is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But it’s not selfish, though it may appear that way at first glance. There comes a time when you know your tour, as worthwhile as it has been, must end. Staying too long can block a deserving opportunity for someone else. Many struggle with letting go or convince themselves that no one else can do the job. I had no such struggle, not when I see the extraordinary talent all around me.
This ending is a beginning. I’ll return to helping where I’m needed most. I will still support the community I love and it gives me more time to support my incredible wife, who is a tremendous leader. I’ll continue to beam with pride at the work my sons do, led by hearts full of compassion. I’ll take more photos (Instagram: @chris_wilson_in_gso) and continue writing (www.qualityoflifeisaright.com)
Maybe I’ll even learn to sleep again… or finally have time to watch more sunrises.
My friends…
The time has come to say goodbye, it may bring a smile or it may draw a cry.
But I’m still here, so don’t write me off yet, the memories we made, I’ll never forget.
We dreamed big and many dreams came true,
Some were so bold, there’s still more to do.
I gave you my heart, my mind, and my all, hoping you felt lifted, supported, and tall.
If ever I did one small thing that lives in your mind,
Then all of the struggle was worth the climb.
— CW
Conversations with Chris 