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The Franklin City Council voted 5-0 on Monday, Aug. 5, to appoint Rosylen Oglesby as Franklin’s new city manager.

The only council members not present for the vote were Ward 1 Councilman Mark R. Kitchen and Ward 4 Councilman Dr. Linwood Johnson.

An Aug. 5 city news release stated that Oglesby was most recently the assistant city manager of Yakima, Washington. She previously served for 15 years in the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, in management positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as an assistant city manager.

Oglesby succeeds Amanda C. Jarratt, who left Franklin near the end of March to serve as a deputy city manager for Virginia Beach.

Oglesby will begin her duties as Franklin’s city manager on Monday, Sept. 30.

Franklin Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins said in the release, “We are excited to welcome Ms. Oglesby back to Virginia and to the city of Franklin. Rosylen brings broad experience as a local government manager, and the council was impressed by her demeanor and approach to working with the City Council and staff for the betterment of our community. We are certain that she will be a valuable asset to the city of Franklin and the region, and we are looking forward to her assuming her duties.”

The release noted that the City Council conducted a national search for the new city manager, assisted by The Berkley Group of Bridgewater. The Berkley Group received applications and conducted initial interviews with the most qualified candidates and assisted in selecting finalists for interviews with the council. Council expressed its appreciation for the services of Interim City Manager Darlene Burcham as it completed the search for a new city manager. 

Burcham has been serving as Franklin’s interim city manager since April 1.

Oglesby earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Norfolk State University, the release continued. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in urban affairs from Norfolk State University and has completed work toward a Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Oglesby has completed the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia and the Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management at Virginia Tech, the release stated. She is a member of the International City/County Management Association and has been designated a credentialed manager by that organization. She is also a member of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators and the American Academy of Certified Public Managers. 

The release noted that Oglesby has also served as an instructor at Norfolk State. 

She started her career as a management analyst in the city of Portsmouth and rose to the position of assistant city manager with responsibilities in budget and financial management, human services and special projects, the release stated. In Yakima, in addition to responsibilities for budgeting and implementing the priorities of the City Council and the city manager, Oglesby provided strategic direction to the Economic Development, Neighborhood 

Development Services, Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field Airport, and Information Technology Services departments. She also served as acting chief financial officer, acting director of the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field Airport and acting city manager. 

Oglesby said in the release, “I look forward to working with City Council to implement its vision of growth and development in the city of Franklin. I am pleased to be returning to a region that I love and to be working with public and private partners to enhance the quality of life for residents of the community. I appreciate the confidence that the council has shown in me, and I am excited about getting settled in the city and getting to know and serve the employees and citizens of Franklin.”