Crossville Begins Search For New City Manager As Wood Set To Retire

Crossville has begun the search for a new city manager to replace Greg Wood, who is scheduled to retire in March.

Crossville Human Resources Manager Leah Crockett said Wood has agreed to stay on until the city has his replacement in place. His current contract ends in March. Crockett said the city hopes to have someone in place before the budget process heats up in late February.

“We’re going to look for public administration backgrounds to see if they have experience in the budget process, working with council members and mayors, that’s what they’re really looking for,” Crockett said.

Crockett said after she reviews resumes, the council will hold online interviews that will be open to the public. Crockett said the most important thing is the candidates understand that their job is to serve the city of Crossville and make wise decisions with taxpayer money.

“We are here to provide a service,” Crockett said. “We’re not a production facility, we’re not making a profit on anything, we’re here to provide a service and provide that service to the best of our ability and make sure that we are good stewards with the taxpayers’ money.”

Crockett said she will advertise the position through state and national agencies like the UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service and the City Managers Association. Following the virtual interviews, three or four candidates will be selected for in-person interviews, Crockett said.

Crockett said she intends to interview assistant city managers and finance directors from other counties, not just candidates with city manager experience. Crockett said the next step will be to familiarize the new city manager with the city and its department heads.

“It’s going to be important to us that they get in and kind of get a feel for the city itself if they’re unfamiliar,” Crockett said. “Get a feel for the city itself, have meetings, have conversations with our council, make sure that that’s going to be a good working relationship and make sure that’s going to be a good fit for everyone involved.”