The Shelby Star is reporting that Asheville Assistant City Manager Jeff Richardson is leaving to take the job of Cleveland County Manager.
Richardson, who’s served in his post in Asheville since 2001, was made one of three senior staff directly under City Manager Gary Jackson in a reorganization earlier this year. Currently, Richardson oversees the city’s Human Resources and Information Technology departments, along with the Asheville Fire Department and the Asheville Police Department. The latter has been the subject of no shortage of controversy in recent years, with the retirement of one police chief following a scandal over missing evidence, and allegations of a coverup and mismanagement against current chief William Anderson by some police officers.
Richardson’s departure is the latest of several senior city officials this year. In February, longtime City Attorney Bob Oast announced he would leave to take a teaching job at Ohio State University. Then, in May Finance Director Lauren Bradley announced she was leaving for a position with the Van Winkle law firm.
From the Star, quoting a press release from Cleveland County:
Cleveland County Commissioners are pleased to announce that, during a special meeting held this morning, Jeff Richardson was hired as the new Cleveland County Manager. Mr. Richardson has ties to Cleveland County Government having served as Human Resource Director before taking a position with the City of Asheville as Human Resource Director in 1997. Since 2001, he has served the City of Asheville as Deputy City Manager. He has a proven track record in Asheville as a local government leader who is community oriented, collaborative, a problem solver, and one who is active and accessible in the community he serves.
“I am so honored to have the opportunity to return to Cleveland County and serve in this role. My family’s prior time here was very special and the community made it that way. I see so many good things moving in a positive direction, and it is clear that the county’s elected leadership is committed to continue its investments for long term success. There is much more to accomplish, and I am so excited to join Cleveland County’s team at this time” , said Richardson.
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