NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — There is a shakeup in Newport News city leadership, with Cindy Rohlf on the way out.
Tuesday night, Newport News City Council unanimously approved (7-0) a separation and severance agreement for the Newport News city manager since 2017.
It is not yet publicly clear exactly why council and Rohlf parted ways.
No one in chambers could tell us whether the city manager was forced out of her position.
Dr. Patricia Woodbury, a longtime member of council, said she reluctantly voted in favor of the severance. She said she believes Rohlf did not previously show signs of wanting to retire or resign.
"It is so sad and it is so tragic because she's done nothing but good for the city," said Woodbury.
Among other achievements, Woodbury told 13News Now Rohlf secured this key grant.
"We got $30 million from HUD because of her persistence. There are only two in the country that get that and we got turned down, then she rewrote it and got it," Woodbury added.
The severance agreement approved Tuesday night includes a year's worth of pay. It also triggers a voluntary resignation from Rohlf, effective August 1.
13News Now asked Woodbury whether she thinks Rohlf wanted to resign.
"No, I don't," the councilwoman responded. "But I can’t read her mind."
Several council members on the dais took time to thank Rohlf for her service to the city and community, including her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was not at Tuesday night's council meeting or afternoon work session.
There is already someone stepping into her position on an interim basis. Alan Archer is now acting city manager. He has served 17 years as assistant city manager in Newport News.
Council members expressed support for him at the helm.
Looking ahead, Mayor Phillip Jones said the city will need to hire a firm to launch a nationwide search for the next city manager. He promised citizen input will be part of the process.
Jones declined to be interviewed following the meeting, but issued this statement on the "departure of [the] city manager."
My colleagues on City Council and I thank Cindy Rohlf for her dedicated service to the City of Newport News. Cindy's vision and leadership have been instrumental in transformative projects that have taken place in the city, including the Choice Neighborhood Initiative in our Southeast Community, investments in our employees, expanded Human Services projects, and innovative workforce development programs.
During this time of transition, Alan Archer will serve as Acting City Manager. Alan has more than 30 years of municipal management experience, including 17 as Assistant City Manager in Newport News. Alan will work with employees, citizens, and businesses to ensure the continuity of city operations and continued investments in our community.
We will contract with a firm to conduct a nationwide search for our next City Manager.
City Council and I are dedicated to having a citizen committee to provide input in this process, as we seek to hire a new leader to guide our city into the future.
Citizens can be assured that the city team will continue to provide the essential services they depend upon. While this is a time of change in our city, we remain committed to investing in programs and services that uplift residents of all ages and backgrounds and make Newport News a vibrant community with opportunity for all.
