Contact:  Jim Collins
Phone:  373-2105
        

          Assistant City Manager Westmoreland Accepts NCDOT Post

GREENSBORO, NC -- (February 16, 2009) – Jim Westmoreland, the City of Greensboro’s Assistant City Manager for Economic Development, has accepted the role of Deputy Secretary for Transit with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). His last day with the City will be February 27. Due to the City’s current hiring freeze, City Manager Mitchell Johnson will postpone appointing a replacement for Westmoreland. Johnson has selected Housing and Community Development Director Andy Scott to serve as Interim Assistant City Manager for Economic Development.

In his new post, Westmoreland will direct five multimodal divisions: aviation; bicycle and pedestrian transportation; ferry; public transportation; and rail. He has worked in transportation for more than 20 years, a portion of which had been with NCDOT. During his career Westmoreland has gained recognition throughout the state as one of the top transportation leaders in local government and has significant leadership roles in many professional organizations.

 “It is with a great deal of pride, combined with a real sense of loss, that I learned of Jim’s leaving,” said Johnson. “But, at the same time, I am very happy that Governor Perdue and her administration have put such a strong focus on getting local government leaders in key roles.

I have worked with Jim for many years and in that time have found him to be a strong leader with a ‘get it done’ attitude,” Johnson said. “Given Greensboro’s needs in the areas which Jim will now be overseeing statewide, I feel we have been fortunate to have him named to the role, especially with regard to aviation and rail.”

Regarding the change, Westmoreland commented, “It is been my highest privilege and honor to serve the citizens of Greensboro over the past twelve years. While I am very excited about my new opportunity and look forward to making a positive statewide impact implementing the work program of the NCDOT and many initiatives of the Governor and Secretary Conti, I will always treasure my time with the City of Greensboro and always value and admire the work of its excellent employees and leadership. Greensboro is truly a great community and a great place to work.”

Westmoreland was selected for the Assistant City Manager post in December 2008 after serving as Acting City Manager since March 2008. Previously, he served as the City’s Director of Transportation from 1999 to early 2008 and also served as Engineering and Planning Manager of Transportation from 1996-1999.

As Interim City Manager for Economic Development, Andy Scott brings experience in private development from work in Atlanta with a major consulting firm.  Johnson pointed out Scott brings a strong background as a dealmaker and a good understanding of the financial complexities of economic development. “We are very fortunate to have Andy Scott on our team and I know he will do a great job for us in these challenging times.” Prior to his service in Greensboro, Scott also worked for the Cities of Memphis and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 #   #   #