RADFORD – After nearly eight years as Radford’s top administrator, Radford City Manager Tony Cox has announced he is resigning his post in mid-January.
Cox confirmed Monday that he has informed members of Radford City Council and top city staff that he will be leaving his position as city manager in January to become the City Administrator of Morristown, Tennessee.
“I’ve been in Radford for nearly eight years, my daughters have both entered college, and this seemed like a good time to reevaluate my personal and professional life,” Cox said via email Monday evening. “A move to Morristown will allow us to downsize our house, return to my roots in East Tennessee, and be closer to my extended family.”
“Morristown offers new professional challenges and opportunities,” he continued. “The move seems the right fit for this stage of my life.”
Monday evening, Radford Mayor Thomas Starnes said city council plans to name Assistant City Manager David Ridpath as Interim City Manager.
“We’ll see where it goes from there,” Starnes said. “Council hasn’t made a decision beyond that.”
Starnes said he feels Radford has benefitted from Cox’s tenure as city manager, particularly in the area of capital improvements and budgetary matters.
“I congratulate Tony on his appointment,” Starnes said. “I’m sure his services to Morristown will be admirable and the citizens there will benefit from his stewardship, just as I think the citizens in Radford have benefitted.”
Starnes pointed to the library addition, park improvements, work on sewer, water and transportation infrastructure and other capital projects as examples of strides Radford has made under Cox’s leadership.
“Also, his work with the budget and budget preparation has enhanced understandability” of that process, Starnes added.
Cox said he’ll continue to work with the Council and staff through mid January. “Hopefully, during this period I can help provide a smooth transition and get FY 10-11 budget off to a good start,” he said.
Cox became Radford’s city manager in April 2002, taking over for retiring city manager Robert Asbury, who had served in the position for more than 20 years. Cox said he has appreciated his time in Radford.
“Radford is a special community and I appreciate the opportunity to have worked here,” he said. “We have an outstanding staff and the City is strong. I hope that in some small way I have helped contribute to their betterment. I know that my family and I have certainly benefited from our time here.”