Interim Asheville police chief named after Chief David Zack resigns. Who got the job?

ASHEVILLE — Following the city's announcement on Dec. 12 that Asheville Police Chief David Zack intends to retire from Asheville law enforcement, Zack submitted his letter of resignation on Dec. 15, according to city spokesperson Jessica Hughes.

"The resignation was for him to stop working on the Dec. 15," Hughes told the Citizen Times Dec. 18.

To take Zack's place as Asheville's top cop, at least for now, Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell named Deputy Chief Michael Lamb, 48, as interim police chief, a news release from the city said Dec. 18.

“Interim Chief Mike Lamb has proven to be an exceptional leader and we are fortunate to have the opportunity for such a seamless transition in this critical role,” Campbell said in the release.

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“With his leadership, the support of the entire organization and the support of a high performing police executive leadership team, I know the police department is well positioned to maintain the most professional level of service to our community.“

Lamb has served with APD for more than two decades, starting as a patrol officer. He was most recently promoted to deputy chief in June 2023, the release said. Lamb was first hired by APD Feb. 15, 1998. His current salary as deputy police chief is $157,000.

“I am honored to serve as Chief of the Asheville Police Department, a role that allows me to give back to the community I've called home for my entire life," Lamb said in the release.

"I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of the men and women in our department. I am proud of the strong relationships I have fostered with the community over the past 26 years. Together, we will continue to work towards making Asheville a safe and thriving community."

Asheville native with long service history

Before he was named deputy chief earlier this year, Lamb held the rank of captain, overseeing APD's Community Engagement Division. He's also previously served as lieutenant, working as Patrol Division Executive Officer and Adam and Charlie District Commander, according to APD's website. Prior to that promotion, Lamb served as sergeant over the Public Housing Unit, APD's Gang Unit and the downtown district.

Lamb was also a member of APD's Emergency Response Team for 20 years and a team commander for nine of those years.

An Asheville native, Lamb graduated from A.C. Reynolds High School, according to APD's website. Lamb later received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Western Carolina University in 1997. He also graduated from the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police.

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Jacquelyn "Jackie" Stepp is the other current APD deputy chief, who started in that role Sept. 30. She was named to replace James "Jim" Baumstark, who retired in November. Stepp is the first female named as an APD deputy chief.

As plans are finalized, more information about the recruitment process for a new chief will be communicated, according to the release.

Zack first announced to a group of staff members on Dec. 12 that he was "thinking about retiring early next year but would be taking time over the holidays to decide," spokesperson Samantha Booth previously told the Citizen Times.

“This information was leaked after the meeting and ‘spread like wildfire,’" Booth said.

Booth said that because the information was prevalent in the community, a more definitive response was addressed in the news release from the city of Asheville, which stated Zack’s intent to retire from Asheville law enforcement.

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Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Police Chief David Zack resigned