Members of the Chattanooga City Council gave an emotional farewell to Stacy Richardson this week, a key player in city government, as she ended her career in Chattanooga.
Richardson, who most recently served as Mayor Andy Berke's chief of staff, is leaving to serve as the director of urban innovation for the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C., leaving behind a legacy of hard work and feistiness in the city government.
"Normally, you would say farewell and sometimes you would say goodbye, but I find that hard to do because I'm sure she will be around in her new role helping us as she always has, making our city better," Council Chairman Erskine Oglesby said. "I just want to say personally how happy I have been to know you. I remember when we first met and you were doing research at the Center for Metropolitan Studies and I was on the board. I used to see you sitting in the corner and think 'oh she's awfully shy, does she ever talk?' But I have seen how you've grown professionally over the years running Mayor Berke's campaign and then coming on at the city and doing phenomenal work. We're fortunate to have had you here."
As chief of staff since 2015, Richardson was known by council members as a formidable but reasonable force between the mayor and council, especially when it came to budget season.
"I have enjoyed working with you. You have been fiercely competitive at times and I appreciate that," District 4 Councilman Darrin Ledford said. "Your insight, your intelligence, your gumption and and your perspective are always immeasurable and I think that is true to your character - I wish you the very best in Washington. They are definitely getting a star."
"We're going to have the easiest budget since I've been up here," District 3 Councilman Ken Smith joked after offering his congratulations.
With her parents and colleagues in the audience, council members thanked Richardson for her service and friendship, wishing her well in the new endeavor.
"I have a great deal of respect for you and I want to thank you for letting me learn from you," District 6 Councilwoman Carol Berz said. "I think you're going to do great in Washington. I appreciate all that you've done here. You're definitely making the right decision. I love you."
Richardson, who received a standing ovation from the council and members of the audience, thanked the council for its guidance, promising to stay in touch.
"It has been a joy of my career working with each of you," Richardson said, listing some of her favorite city projects. "I'm deeply appreciative that we all found ways to work together. We've always been honest with each other, and I think that's the most important thing in politics and in life."
"I'm just really going to miss y'all," she tearfully concluded.
Richardson will be replaced by Deputy Chief of Staff Kerry Hayes, who has served as deputy chief of staff since 2015 and has a background in public policy which began in Memphis, where he served as special assistant to Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. after serving as the communications director for Wharton's 2009 campaign.
Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416.