City Council unanimously voted to elect Maurice Jones Acting City Manager at a meeting last night. Jones, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager, will serve as interim manager after current City Manager Gary O'Connell steps down April 12 after 15 years of service.
Council members expressed confidence in Maurice's ability to replace O'Connell, who was recently appointed to be the next head of the Albemarle County Service Authority. They further noted that his familiarity with the city will allow him to execute the job well.
"Maurice's extensive knowledge of Charlottesville and his current leadership of City affairs made him an ideal match for the position," Mayor Dave Norris said in a press release, affirming that Jones is qualified for the position even though the election was uncontested.
Jones' experience with the city was a deciding factor in his appointment.
O'Connell noted that Jones worked with the Council for eight years in two different capacities. Prior to his current position, Jones was the director of development for the Miller Center of Public Affairs and was the director of communications for the city for five years during the 1990s.
"It's an honor to serve in this new role," Jones said, adding that he feels confident about taking on the new position.
Both Jones and Norris agree, however, that it is important that Jones strives to make the transition process as smooth as possible.
"My number one priority is to continue to provide quality services for the citizens of Charlottesville during this transition period," he said.
During Jones' time as Acting City Manager, Council will embark on a nationwide search for a permanent replacement, which will be a six- to eight-month process, Jones said. The details of this process will be discussed during the next Council meeting, O'Connell said.
"This is a critical position in this transition period as we embark on a comprehensive search for a new administrator of the organization," Norris said in a press release. "Maurice has been a visible and productive voice in City government and the community for many years, and I am confident that he will manage well on the good foundation that Mr. O'Connell has built as City Manager."\nJones has yet to decide if he will apply for the permanent position.
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