NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — There's a new City Manager in Newport News, and he's already familiar with the demands. Monday night, Newport News City Council appointed Acting City Manager Alan Archer to permanently take on the role.
Archer has served in the interim role since the abrupt departure of ex-City Manager Cindy Rohlf this past summer.
In late July, City Council voted to approve Rohlf's severance, which included a year's worth of pay. The reason for her exit was never publicly shared.
However, in a previous interview with 13News Now, Mayor Phillip Jones said it was a "mutual" separation.
A nationwide search for Rohlf's replacement did not stray far. Although, a multi-month process included interviews with candidates from across the country, a press release stated.
“Alan has proven himself to be a thoughtful leader showing concern for the community and city staff,” Mayor Phillip Jones said in the press release. “Our shared commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our community remains steadfast. We are confident in Alan’s leadership ability as we continue to build a city that thrives and moves forward.”
Archer has worked and served in Newport News for nearly two decades, but he holds more than 35 years of experience in local government.
He held previous government titles in Hopewell and Petersburg. He worked as Newport News Assistant City Manager since 2006.
“I appreciate the confidence that City Council has shown in me and I am honored to accept the position of City Manager. Newport News has been my home for seventeen years and this is an exciting opportunity to serve a vibrant and diverse community. The privilege of leading this organization fills me with great resolve and I am deeply committed to pursuing City Council’s strategic priorities and the success of our community," Archer stated in the press release.
In an interview with the press following Monday night's announcement, Archer said he looked forward to the challenging and difficult aspects of the job, while recognizing "many things" to celebrate going forward.
Going forward, Newport News resident Shantea Pirtle Grimes hopes leaders boost resources for those experiencing homelessness.
"People trying to get homes, apartments, jobs. There's a lot of homelessness going around in the city," said Pirtle Grimes.
And as a parent, she added that crime is a big concern.
"The crime is outrageous," Grimes said. "I have two children of my own and it's very scary for them to go out on a day-to-day basis."
Archer outlined his top priorities, such as facilitating more investments in the Southeast community, tackling homelessness, addressing staffing challenges and compensation, strengthening the housing market, attracting more business and improving mental health and public safety.
As for the latter, Archer said continuing to work with Police Chief Steve Drew and making technology investments are among parts of the solution.
"Focusing on some of those public safety solutions include continuing to do the civic engagement work that we've started now for two years with community-based organizations, to get them involved and help us address the root causes of crime," Archer said.
According to 13News Now records, there have been 43 homicides in Newport News so far this year, well surpassing the 31 recorded in all of 2022. FBI data show the city had its worst year on record in 1994 with 44 homicides, just one shy of where it currently stands.