VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- Virginia Beach City Council has a new city manager.
Mayor William Sessoms made the announcement during a special session on Tuesday afternoon, saying Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen will replace Jim Spore, who retired at the end of December. Spore had served as city manager for 24 years.
City Council had conducted a nationwide search and held several town halls, but Sessoms said that ultimately, city council decided that Spore's replacement was only "four doors down."
Hansen has been a part of Virginia Beach's government since 2006, and will start his new job immediately.
"Dave has earned the respect of this City Council, business and civic leaders and employees," Mayor Sessoms said in a statement. "He knows this community and he understands what we need to do to keep moving forward."
Hansen's contract is for two years, and he will earn a salary of $250,000.