From Staff Reports 

Asheville Asistant City Manager Cathy Ball recently accepted a position as city manager for Johnson City, Tenn., the City of Asheville said in an Oct. 8 press release.

Her last day of service in Asheville will be Nov. 10.

In addition to assistant city manager, Ball has served the Asheville community for 24 years in other key roles, including transportation director and public works director.

In 2018, she served as the interim city manager at the request of Asheville City Council.

“I am honored to have served this community for these 24 years,” Ball was quoted as saying in the city’s release. 

“My greatest accomplishments are the relationships I have developed with the community and my fellow public servants. While it is bittersweet, I take so many life lessons with me as I move to serve the City of Johnson City, Tennessee.”

The release added, “Throughout her tenure, Ball has been instrumental in many key initiatives whose foundations were in partnerships. Projects — such as the city parking garage and workforce housing development at 51 Biltmore Avenue, the public/private partnership with New Belgium Brewery, and utilizing federal resources to protect our homeless population by providing non-congregate housing during a global pandemic — demonstrate a commitment to community investment.”

 City Manager Debra Campbell was quoted in the release as saying, “Cathy shows up every day with a passion for public service and community connection. Her many contributions have made a significant and lasting impact in the Asheville community, and she will be missed. 

“On behalf of Mayor (Esther) Manheimer and the entire City Council, we offer appreciation and well wishes for Cathy in her future,” Campbell said.

An assistant city manager selection process will be underway shortly, the city release concluded.