Jacksonville's top job filled after unanimous Tuesday night city council vote
On May 23, former Jacksonville City Manager Richard Woodruff officially resigned from his position. Almost three months after, the city filled the vacancy left by Woodruff.
The Jacksonville City Council voted to hire Josh W. Ray as their new city manager during a council meeting Tuesday night.
Ray, who recently served as city manager in Shelbyville, Tennessee, was fired from his position effective immediately after a closed session meeting in March, according to Shelbyville Times-Gazette.
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The outlet previously reported a statement from the city of Shelbyville stating, “Shelbyville City Council decided it was necessary to make a change in management style in the position of city manager.”
Ray's response to the news was that he was "shocked" by the council's decision and was not given a reason for his dismissal, according to the outlet.
Ray has also served as city manager in Lago Vista, Texas as well as Aztec, New Mexico. He is well-versed in moving projects and initiatives to completion and has overseen substantial budgets and capital projects for others.
Jacksonville's city council voted unanimously to hire Ray, who will start out with a $185,000 salary.
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As a 20-year veteran in public service, Ray holds a master's degree in public affairs from Western Carolina University, where he graduated at the top of his class in 2003. Ray also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, according to a release from the city of Jacksonville.
He is also an ICMA credentialed manager of the national association of professional City and County managers.
"We are happy to have Josh on board, the energy that he will bring and shared vision for the city," Mayor Sammy Phillips said. "The city of Jacksonville’s mission is focused on providing the best in economic development opportunities, broadening our community partnerships on and off base, and in building on our One City philosophy to encourage inclusion, collaboration, and civility in our community.”
As city manager, Ray will work to further the goals of the city council and oversee the day-to-day operations of the city. The city’s annual budget is close to $100 million with a workforce of over 600 including public safety, public services, recreation and parks, planning, neighborhood improvement services, finance, human resources, transportation, information technology, and the city manager's office.
Originally from Waynesville Ray says he and his family are happy to return to the area.
"My wife Savanah, my three girls and I are excited to move back to our home state and join the Jacksonville community," Ray added. "Our experiences, passion and energy should compliment the city’s team to help move the vision of the city council and citizens forward in a proactive and positive manner.”
Ray’s first day as City Manager for the city is scheduled for Sept. 12.
Editor Trevor Dunnell can be reached by email at tdunnell@newbernsj.com. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Jacksonville's top job filled after city council vote Tuesday night
