FRANKLIN
As it turns out, Franklin’s City Council didn’t have to look very far in its search for a new permanent city manager. On Tuesday, following a brief discussion in closed session, the council offered the position to Amanda Jarratt — the current president and CEO of Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc.

The vote to do so was unanimous, though council member Greg McLemore exited the council chamber before the vote was taken. Prior to the vote, City Attorney H. Taylor Williams IV presented Jarratt with her employment contract, which she signed.

“I’ve always been passionate about the city of Franklin,” Jarratt said when asked why she chose to seek the position. “This has always been an ultimate career goal of mine. I’m exited about the opportunities in the city and wanted to be a part of its growth.”

“I look forward to working hand-in-hand with City Council to implement the policies and directions that they set,” she added. “I’m humbled and honored at the opportunity and hope to serve the citizens of Franklin for many years.”

Mayor Frank Rabil said that Jarratt was one of 24 people to apply for the position of city manager, which was previously held by R. Randy Martin. After Martin’s retirement earlier this year, Clarence C. Monday was appointed interim city manager, a role he will continue to fill until Jarratt assumes her new position effective on Jan. 28.

When asked why the council selected Jarratt, Rabil cited her track record at FSEDI, her understanding of the region and the needs of the city, and her known work ethic.

“I think at the end of the day, [it was] her knowledge of the area, the respect she has garnered throughout the region with economic development, and her passion and love for the area,” Rabil said. “We look forward to a long relationship with Ms. Jarratt.

In Jarratt’s current role as president and CEO of FSEDI, a position she has held since 2012, she is responsible for recruiting, establishing and retaining business and industry in the Franklin-Southampton area. Jarratt said that she is working with FSEDI’s board of directors on a transition plan to fill her role come Jan. 28.

“The success of FSEDI is the success of Franklin, so we’ll be working closely with my replacement to help recruit new jobs to the city,” she said, adding that her replacement at FSEDI has not been named yet.

Jarratt, who graduated Windsor High School in 2000, completed her undergraduate studies at The College of William and Mary, where she received her bachelor’s degree in government. She is also a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received her master’s degree in urban and regional planning. She also has certifications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Public Executive Leadership Academy, along with the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center LEAD Program. In 2013, Jarratt was named one of Hampton Roads’ Top 40 Under 40.

Prior to joining FSEDI, Jarratt served as director of planning and development for Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina; deputy director of community development for Franklin; and planner for New Kent County.

She is the daughter of Steven and Annette Crocker, and married to Billy Jarratt.