The City of Healdsburg will soon bid farewell to its city manager of six years. Marjie Pettus confirmed her resignation last week, effective Dec. 31 or sooner.
Pettus had informed city officials of her impending departure back on Sept. 30, but the city kept quiet until information began to leak. She is moving to Wyoming with her husband, who has accepted a new job.
“Personally, I’m sad to see her go. I think she’s been a fabulous asset for us; the right person at the right time,” said Mayor Jim Wood.
Council Memner Gary Plass agreed, saying Pettus had brought a positive and innovative spirit to the city. “She’s always been very responsive, not only to the Council, but the community,” he added.
The city council has already tapped Pettus’ replacement. Assistant City Manager David Mickaelian received the offer last Monday and is currently in contract negotiations with a council subcommittee.
Pettus was hired as the city’s top administrator in December 2008, following a two-year stint as assistant city manager. She beat out more than 60 applicants for the job.
Her “organizational skills are amazing,” said Mayor Wood. “Her ability to pull together a really solid team is what we needed as we went into the recession.”
Pettus has said she is not ready to retire, and will seek a new job once she arrives in Wyoming.
Read more about Pettus’ departure here.