MORGANTOWN — The city of Morgantown announced Wednesday that City Manager Kim Haws will end his tenure with the city on Dec. 20, concluding a nearly 40-year career in city government.
“We wish Kim and his family the best as he welcomes this new chapter of his life,” Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam said in the city’s press release. “Being a city manager isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s hard work and he has done an excellent job. Together, we were able to overcome significant obstacles and difficult situations with Kim’s help. His outstanding leadership has set Morgantown on a path to success, and for that, we are grateful.”
Haws made the city aware of his plans to retire in September. He last attended a meeting of Morgantown City Council on Nov. 5.
The Dominion Post reached out to the city earlier this week to inquire about the details of his departure and was told they were still being finalized.
On Tuesday, Morgantown City Council approved a contract with North Carolina-based Raftelis to conduct a months-long national recruitment effort to fill the opening.
As reported, Haws’ retirement comes as Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli prepares for an extended leave, meaning council will need to select “a qualified city administrative officer” to serve as interim manager.
This appointment is expected to be made at the council’s Dec. 17 regular meeting.
By process of elimination, it would appear the choice is between Engineering and Public Works Director Damien Davis, the city’s longest-tenured director, and Director of Development Services Rickie Yeager.
Both were involved in an executive session as part of Tuesday’s city council meeting.
“As always, we have unwavering confidence in our department heads’ leadership and the exceptional service quality of our staff,” Muzzarelli said. “Even through transitions in leadership, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service possible. I think this is a direct reflection of Kim’s legacy.”
Haws came to Morgantown in December of 2020, about two years after he ended a 20-year stint as the city manager in Bridgeport.
His four-year tenure makes him Morgantown’s longest serving city manager since Dan Boroff spent just under 18 years in the role (1992-2010).
The city touts Haws’ efforts to increase revenue, strengthen partnerships and implement a comprehensive approach to completing capital improvement projects.
“Kim has certainly served our community well over the years,” Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin is quoted as saying. “We are thankful for his steadfast leadership and commitment to moving our city forward. Kim’s positive influence will be noticed for years to come.”
Haws said he looks forward to seeing what’s next for Morgantown.
“I have been honored to serve the wonderful people of Morgantown and the various communities throughout my career. Being a city manager has always been a labor of love,” he said. “I appreciate our citizens, council, staff, and community partners who added so much value to the end of my career. I have a deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defines our city. I look forward to seeing Morgantown continue to grow and prosper.”