With Gary O'Connell resigning after 15 years as Charlottesville City Manager to take the reins of Albemarle County's Service Authority, there will be an important vacancy in city operations come April 30. The City announced today that while it searches for the person who can fill O'Connell's big boots, it will turn to the leadership of Assistant City Manager Maurice Jones. He's had that position for nearly two years, following three years at the Miller Center. Prior to that, he was the city's director of communications, where he spearheaded the use of video and public access TV to transmit good news about America's onetime number one city.

“Maurice’s extensive knowledge of Charlottesville and his current leadership of City affairs made him an ideal match for the position,” said Mayor Dave Norris, in a press release today.  “This is a critical position in this transition period as we embark on a comprehensive search for a new administrator of the organization.  Maurice has been a visible and productive voice in City government and the community for many years, and I am confident that he will manage well on the good foundation that Mr. O’Connell has built as City Manager.”