CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Melinda Carroll has been appointed assistant city manager.

“I’m excited by the challenge and the honor,” Ms. Carroll said. “It’s exciting for me and I will still be doing purchasing, which I love.”

The position has been vacant since July 1, 2007, but Cleveland City Council members agreed at their recent planning retreat that the position needed to be filled.

City Manager Janice Casteel said Ms. Carroll “has a solid background in city government.”

Ms. Carroll has worked for city government since 1984 in a variety of roles, serving as purchasing agent since 1992.

In that position, she has established uniform purchasing guidelines, developed a procurement card system for city departments, implemented the city’s energy conservation program and served as the city’s project manager on several construction projects.

In her new position, Ms. Carroll will continue as purchasing director but will also represent the city manager when needed, oversee the budget and manage special projects.

“Janice has a very full plate, so I will be her backup,” Ms. Carroll said.

She will also be responsible for communications, including media, the public, city employees and City Council.