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Ward named Cookeville’s first assistant city manager
Mills announced Ward’s appointment following the formal agenda of Thursday night’s Cookeville City Council meeting.
Mills said creating the position was not a spur-of-the-moment decision and is something he has considered for at least two years.
The purpose, he said, is both to assist with the day-to-day operations of the city and to ensure someone is prepared to serve as interim city manager when Mills eventually steps down.
“My goal in this is for this individual to gain a thorough understanding of the city while I’m still here,” Mills told the council.
He emphasized that Ward’s appointment does not guarantee Ward would become Cookeville’s next permanent city manager.
That decision would ultimately rest with a future city council.
Mills also said the appointment does not create an entirely new full-time position.
Ward will continue serving as community development director while assuming additional assistant city manager responsibilities and receiving compensation for the added duties.
Ward has worked for the city for approximately 10 years.
Mills said Ward is already familiar with many of the responsibilities of the city manager and is involved in many of Cookeville’s ongoing projects.
He described Ward as someone he trusts who cares deeply about the city.
The announcement comes as Cookeville prepares for another transition at City Hall following Thursday’s municipal election.
Later in the meeting, Mills took time to recognize Mayor Laurin Wheaton and Councilman Eric Walker for eight years of service on the council.
Mills reflected on the significant events city leaders have faced since 2018, including the devastating March 2020 tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of rapid growth.
He also pointed to street, infrastructure and facility improvements completed during their time in office, as well as what he described as the strongest financial standing in the city’s history.
Mills said the council had also overseen major changes within city government, including the replacement of every department head during the eight-year period.
He particularly thanked Wheaton and Walker for their support of city employees.
“Like my mama always told me, leave a place better off than you found it,” Mills said. “And there’s no doubt that both of y’all done that.”
Council members responded with their own comments about working together despite disagreements over the years.
They described the council as a partnership built on relationships and mutual respect.
The current council still has one more scheduled meeting before the newly elected council takes office.
