Greenwood Mayor Carolyn McAdams has begun interviewing applicants who would like to be her next chief administrative officer.
However, McAdams, who began her third term last month, says she has no set timetable on selecting the replacement for Thomas Gregory.
Gregory, who recently accepted a position as community planner for the Carl Small Town Center at Mississippi State University, will work his last day for the city on Friday.
McAdams said she has interviewed three candidates so far for the opening at City Hall and has three more scheduled so far for next week. All six either live in Greenwood or have connections here, she said.
“I have had some good candidates. They all have had their own good things to bring to the position with an interest of Greenwood in mind.”
The chief administrative officer is a unique position in city government. The person’s duties are left to the mayor to decide, and there is no requirement that the position be advertised when it becomes vacant.
“It is one of the only positions in City Hall that is in the mayor’s control,” McAdams said.
The mayor’s selection for the $56,000-a-year job would still require approval by the City Council.
The mayor said she is looking for someone who is community-minded, dedicated and willing to serve the people of the city.
“I really think it needs to be someone that is connected to Greenwood and has a true passion and desire to see Greenwood be successful,” McAdams said.
Gregory, who came on board shortly after McAdams won her first election in 2009, was assigned to concentrate on grant-writing and serve as the liaison between the mayor’s office and community projects. He also was the point person on a multi-year project to update the city’s code of ordinances, which was completed earlier this year.
In his final days on the job, Gregory has been butying up loose ends with different city projects, including grants the city has received and a recently purchased telephone system.
“Thomas will always be connected to Greenwood and be connected to what is going on in his hometown,” McAdams said.
Until the job is filled, the mayor is assuming the chief administrative officer’s duties. She said she will be deliberate in her choice.
“I will make my final decision that I think will be a good fit and a team player for the position.”
•Contact Lauren Randall at 581-7239 or lrandall@gwcommonwealth.com.
