Athens city manager announces resignation

Staff Photo by Ben Benton / Athens, Tenn., City Hall is seen in 2022. Athens City Manager Deb Wallace, at Tuesday's Athens City Council meeting, announced plans to resign from her post effective June 30, and Athens officials will begin weighing options to fill the position. Wallace cited a family situation as reason for her decision.

By Ben Benton May 23, 2024 4 min read

The city manager in Athens, Tennessee, has announced her resignation, leaving the municipality’s council members to determine the best path forward.

At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Athens City Manager Deb Wallace announced plans to resign citing a family health situation after nearly a year in the post.

“Regretfully, changes in my personal and familial, family situation will not allow me to continue as city manager. This was not an easy decision, however, my resignation is effective June 30,” Wallace told the five-member council Tuesday.

“I really appreciate the confidence that the council has placed in me in appointing me the last year, and I am especially thankful for the opportunity to have met and worked with so many wonderful people — employees and citizens alike,” Wallace said. “I have learned a great deal from everyone, and I’m really grateful for all of the support that I have been shown. I feel very lucky to have worked with a very talented staff, and I’ll miss working with all of you. But rest assured I will continue to advocate for the city of Athens as long as I have a breath in me.”