Lexington officials move forward with hiring city manager, respond to community concerns

{James Kiefer/Davidson Local}

City officials affirmed moving forward with “professionalism” when it comes to the search and selection process for Lexington’s next city manager. Officials used terms such as “hopeful” and “united” when describing the process in the midst of allegations, social media rifts and reported angst. Ralph Clark will serve as interim city manager a beginning June 1.

Current manager Terra Greene addressed the council in early January. “Seasons of transition are healthy in leadership. I am honored to provide every assistance available to the next leader of this incredible organization. My genuine care for the city of Lexington’s resiliency and progression on this exciting upward trajectory, as well as my genuine care for the high-caliber workforce ‘runs deep’ over the lifespan of a 25-year commitment,” Greene said.

Greene hasn’t publicly announced her next chapter after serving in the city’s top leadership role. Greene made history as the first woman and tenth city manager appointed by City Council in the city’s 88-year history of the position.

From 2013 to 2018, Greene served as assistant city manager before taking the role as city manager on November 26, 2018. Previously, Greene served as director of Financial and Information Services. She first joined the city of Lexington as finance director in November 1997.

Mayor Jason Hayes and other officials note that details of Greene’s retirement plans and personnel discussions remain private. Outside of press releases, interviews and open sessions they insist the important details are restricted by personnel-related statutes. Recent criticism of the administration includes the treatment of the former Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager.

At Greene’s last council meeting as manager on Monday, May 22, contingents of supporters wore the color green in support of her tenure. Council members expressed concern that the public comment section of the agenda does not allow for response. Several council members also said they were followed outside, of council chambers, with questions they could not answer noting that some supporters used profanity and personal attacks.

Councilor Garrett Holloway was one of several referenced during public comments. Following the meeting and other confirmed exchanges, Holloway and his supporters responded on social media.

Holloway wrote, “The best way to move Lexington forward has become a very divisive and polarizing conundrum in the last year to say the very least. I believe that things reached a boiling point at the last city council meeting.”

Hayes noted Greene’s retirement date remains December 1. The council voted in closed session to offer Greene a consulting position starting June 1st. The city is in the advanced stages of selection after hiring the Developmental Associates of Chapel Hill, a motion unanimously approved by Council.

“Recruitment of candidates by the executive search firm has now closed and applicants are now going through the screening process.” Hayes continued, “…if the public wants to get involved in the process, they can reach out to their ward council members or their at-large council members Watkins and Callicutt to make their preferences known.”

Holloway wrote, “Truly, we are grateful for Ms. Greene’s many contributions to the city of Lexington and wish her the very best in all of her future endeavors. We also appreciate the many citizens of Lexington who have put their trust in us to make the tough and necessary decisions to continue to move our community forward.”

Greene shared a statement on May 26 regarding her intent to support the transition. “On June 1, a season of leadership transition begins for the city of Lexington. In my final assignment through December 1, I am providing assistance to the successive city manager(s) of this incredible organization,” said Greene.

“Having served in leadership capacities for over 25 years, my genuine care for Lexington’s resiliency and progression to the current exciting upward trajectory remains. When the time arrives for my retirement in December, my high-caliber work family is what I will miss most…and yet, I will treasure them always and the memories of the incredible advancements we accomplished together for the community we cherish. #onecityteam.”