Lynchburg’s newly appointed City Manager Doug Stanley resigns

Lynchburg’s newly appointed City Manager, Douglas Stanley has submitted his letter of resignation to Lynchburg City Council effective immediately, citing the recent release and circulation of several emails.

City Council will discuss the appointment of an Interim City Manager at its September 8 meeting. Until an Interim City Manager is appointed, Deputy City Manager Reid Wodicka will carry out the duties of the City Manager as specified in City Code.

“This is an unfortunate situation for everyone involved,” said Mayor MaryJane Dolan. “I wish Doug and his family the very best in the future.”

Resignation Letter from Doug Stanley :

Dear Mayor Dolan:

As you are well aware, there has been considerable turmoil generated in the Lynchburg community surrounding the release and circulation of several emails claimed to have been sent by me in my capacity as County Administrator in Warren County. As you know by verified information I have presented, one of those emails is a fabrication and was never sent and the other, while taken out of context, included inappropriate and vulgar language for which I have previously publicly apologized and addressed in Warren County.

I am sorry that this has brought unwanted attention to you and the other members of City Council and staff. I apologize for the situation and am regretful that these emails cast shadow on my 25 years of service. Inasmuch as this has brought concerns about my future ability to manage the City, I feel that it is in my and the City’s best interests if I withdraw from the position prior to my stated start date of September 1st. I sincerely regret having to take this action but feel it is in the best interests of the City.

Please know that my family was excited for the opportunity to move to Lynchburg and I looked forward to the challenge of managing the City. We wish you nothing but the best during this transition and the rest of your term.

Sincerely,

Douglas P. Stanley, AICP ICMA-CM