With the announced retirement of City Manager Gary Jackson at the end of this year, I wanted to make our residents aware of the early planning stages City Council has identified in recruiting qualified candidates and eventually hiring a city manager.
The City will launch a national search with the assistance of an executive recruitment firm. The contract for the recruitment firm will be put out for public bid.
As we begin this search, the City will offer community engagement opportunities, both online and in meetings, where residents will be invited to give input into the qualifications and characteristics they would like to see in Asheville’s next city manager.
More opportunities for community involvement will be announced as we go through this process together. The Council will be as inclusive and transparent as possible throughout this process.
Ultimately, City Council makes the decision who to hire for this position.
We as a Council value and appreciate the thoughtful involvement of our residents as we move forward to select an outstanding leader for the City of Asheville.
Related: Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer announces City Manager Gary Jackson’s retirement