Franklin’s Jarratt is new deputy city manager in Virginia Beach

Brian Reese
·2 min read

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach has a new deputy city manager.

The city announced Friday that current Franklin City Manager Amanda Jarratt will take over the role held by former Deputy City Manager Taylor Adams, who resigned back in May. She was hired after a nationwide search.

“Amanda brings diversified experience in planning, economic development and management for the public sector,” said City Manager Patrick Duhaney. “She is the ideal choice to oversee our Economic Vitality portfolio of departments and has the leadership and professional demeanor we are seeking to work effectively with department directors and the community.”

The city says Amanda will start on April 4 and oversee the departments of Agriculture, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Economic Development and Planning and Community Development.

“I am honored to be selected as deputy city manager for such a dynamic city,” said Jarratt. “The City of Franklin is a wonderful city and it’s been a privilege to serve and lead. I am thrilled to join City staff and the community of Virginia Beach and look forward to continued growth opportunities and successes.”

Jarratt has been Franklin’s city manager since January 2019, but has more than 15 years total in Franklin. Before here current role she served as president and CEO of Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc.

Jarratt has a bachelor’s degree in government from William & Mary and a master’s in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has earned multiple certifications such as one from the Public Executive Leadership Academy at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

The city also announced on Friday that they hired longtime local economic development leader Charles “Chuck” Rigney Sr. to serve as Virginia Beach’s next director of economic development. Rigney has been the interim director since June 2023, and was selected after a nationwide search.

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