I was 13 years old when I decided that I wanted to be a city manager. At the age of 29, I took on my first manager's role in a small Vermont town with a $750,000 budget and 18 employees. Now, decades later, I am announcing my intent to retire from the City of Spring Hill, which carries a $249 million budget and 350 employees.
Over the span of 43 years, I have devoted myself to serving eight cities, their citizens, and their communities. I have also consulted with numerous cities to help them better serve their residents.
This journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
With the Board of Mayor and Aldermen's approval, I will continue in my current role until a new administrator is appointed. This will allow me to complete the work I began three and a half years ago and give me the chance to hand off significant projects with some history to the new administrator. I remain committed to dedicating the same, if not more, energy to fulfill the remaining tasks still in front of me before transitioning responsibilities.
I am proud of the achievements we have made together, such as implementing effective systems, adopting a comprehensive approach to economic development, enhancing cost accounting, and fostering a skilled and cohesive staff.
The quality and commitment of the team I have assembled here is unparalleled in the history of Spring Hill. My colleagues are not just employees but also trusted friends. Leaving will be bittersweet as I bid farewell to these individuals I have worked alongside, striving for a better city and community for our residents.
Most importantly, I express my gratitude to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for their support, encouragement, and willingness to take risks on new ideas and different approaches to solving old problems.
Serving Spring Hill has been the pinnacle of my career. Thank you!