Mount Carmel City Manager Emily Wood announced during Thursday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting that she is resigning effective Friday, Aug. 2.
In an open letter in which she stated her appreciation of Mount Carmel, Wood said she had accepted a position in another town.
Wood has served as town administrator and chief asset and management officer for Mount Carmel since 2022.
Her more recent projects included securing the AT&T grant for the outdoor classroom nearing completion at the park; hiring new Mount Carmel Police Chief David Larson; and restructuring the police department, a move that resulted in a higher starting pay for officers.
A committee comprising Aldermen Mindy Shugart, John Gibson and Darby Patrick was created to work with Wood and the University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) to find a replacement ahead of her departure.
“This journey has forever changed me,” Wood wrote in her letter. “The town of Mount Carmel has allowed me to grow not only as a Municipal Manager, but as a person. And for that, I thank you.”
‘WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD’
In her letter of resignation, Wood thanked the BMA for its efforts in supporting Mount Carmel’s growth.
“Although there are many different perspectives, we all share a common goal: working together through an open-minded, innovative, community approach to provide a platform for excellent services,” she said.
“The number of positive changes in such a short amount of time is extraordinary and has not gone unnoticed.”
Wood also expressed her appreciation to city workers and managers, saying they were the heart and soul of the city and she knew they would continue to keep the town beautiful.
“It is you who make Mount Carmel truly a place to put down roots,” she said.
Wood stated her pride in being part of Mount Carmel and working with everyone to make positive changes that will continue after she leaves.
“We have worked so hard to bring a sense of direction, purpose and community,” she said.
‘DEDICATION AND EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP’
Following Wood’s announcement, BMA members expressed both satisfaction with her performance and sorrow about her departure.
“It’s sad to hear that (Wood) is leaving,” Shugart said. “In the two-plus years she has served here in the role of city administrator, she has pushed efforts and made great strides to better our community. She helped lay the foundation for great growth in Mount Carmel.”
“I want to express my sincerest appreciation for Mrs. Wood’s dedication and effective leadership,” Gibson said. “Her efforts have positively impacted our community and made great strides to move the town forward.”
“I appreciate her dedication and leadership for what she has done for the city,” Alderman Jim Bare said. “I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.”
MOVING FORWARD
Based on City Attorney Allen Coup’s recommendation, Wood and the newly appointed committee will begin looking to fill CMFO and city administrator positions by August.
“I think it would certainly be good for the town to get through the selection process as quickly as possible. (Wood) has been filling two roles for this town for her tenure. We may be looking to fill two positions,” Coup said.
Wood has offered training should the new hire arrive before her departure.
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