.jpg)
New Henderson City Manager A. Ray Griffin, Jr.
A search that has spanned nearly nine months ended this afternoon when the Henderson City Council unanimously voted to hire a new permanent city manager.
A. Ray Griffin, Jr. was offered the position that has been filled by Ed Wyatt since the resignation of Henderson’s last permanent city manager, Jerry Moss, in October of 2007.
Henderson Mayor James D. “Pete” O’Geary told a crowd that included Henderson’s former mayor, former city council members, department heads, Sam and George Watkins, Cliff Rogers, County Commissioner Danny Wright, and County Manager Jerry Ayscue that it was a “pleasure” to have a meeting to appoint the new city manager.
O’Geary remarked that all council members were “on-board” with the decision.
Noting that Griffin has 28 years of experience as a city manager, he said that the new city manager would bring an increase of quantity and quality of city services.
Both the motion to offer Griffin a contract and the contract itself were approved unanimously by the council.
Interim City Manager Ed Wyatt said that the agreement between Griffin and the city was designed to create a successful tenure in Henderson. He said that it is important to have a consistent professional staff.
Wyatt said that the city’s professional staff has been “multi-tasked”. He pointed out a need to develop a consistent, clear manner to carry out the work of the city on a “non-crisis” basis.
Griffin then addressed the council after receiving a standing ovation from both members and the attending audience. The incoming manager said that he sees a lot of “positive energy” in the communtiy.
Griffin called Wyatt “one of the best city managers in the country” and noted a long friendship with him.
Griffin will assume his duties in 30-60 days.
A reception for the new manager was held after the adjournment of the fifteen minute meeting.