City of Roanoke names new interim city manager

Roanoke, Virginia – The City of Roanoke has named a new interim city manager, following the announcement of Bob Cowell’s departure, some weeks ago.

Effective Tuesday, June 11, Dr. Lydia Patton, a civic leader and educator, will take on a four-month stint as Roanoke’s temporary city manager.

“One of the things I pride myself in is working with people to get work done. We’re here, we’re public servants, there’s a need. If there was no citizenry, then there’s no need for municipal government,” Patton said during a press conference on Tuesday.

Currently acting as executive manager of the Berkley Group, a Virginia-based consulting firm that specializes in helping local governments, school systems, and other public organizations, Patton has over thirty years of experience working in municipal government.

In her three decades as the city’s manager, Patton led over 17 departments, making history as Portsmouth, Virginia’s first female city manager.

“With my broad experience in local government, commitment to excellence, tireless dedication, and willingness to serve others, I look forward to working with Roanoke’s elected leadership, city employees, citizens, businesses, partners, and stakeholders,” Patton said.

According to Patton, Roanoke is already headed toward becoming a better city for all citizens.

“I want to keep the city moving in the trajectory that it’s already moving. To be able to come back with the Mayor and the team to say we’re the 8th time All-America city,” Patton said.

City officials state that Patton holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Louisville, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Kentucky State University. She is a University of Virginia Senior Executive Institute graduate and has participated actively in the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

“I want thank all of our residents for their patience and resilience,” said Trish-White Boyd, City Council member and chair of the personnel committee. “Please know our priority is to make sure that the transition to the interim City Manager is a smooth one with zero impact to our residents or city services. I am confident Dr. Patton will continue to move our eight-time All-America city forward, until such time Council appoints a permanent City Manager.”

The city is currently looking for a permanent city manager, according to White-Boyd.

“We have a great team. We have great staff. We have a beautiful city, we are just right now searching for another city manager. That search will continue whether it’s three months, four months, a year,” White-Boyd said.