Thomasville City Manager J. Alan Carson has announced his retirement, capping off a career that spans more than thirty years in public service. Carson informed Mayor Todd Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Terry Scott and City Attorney Tim Sanders of his decision last week.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to dedicate my career to public service, both here in Thomasville, Georgia and in Lexington, North Carolina, where my career first began,” Carson said. “I never expected to find myself in Thomasville, but this has been one of the most rewarding phases of my career. Thomasville is a special place, and it has been a pleasure ending my career in service to such an outstanding community.”
Carson joined the City of Thomasville in January 2019 after retiring from the City of Lexington, North Carolina after thirty years. During his tenure with Thomasville, Carson was instrumental in many key initiatives related to the City’s financial position, including the adoption of a financial policy, investment policy, and purchasing policy. Carson was also pivotal in the City’s bond rating being raised from A Stable to A Positive, as strong leadership was noted in the final report.
Under Carson’s leadership, many other initiatives were completed related to the City’s policies and procedures. An updated sign ordinance was presented to Council, which was adopted after several years of ongoing discussion. Greater transparency regarding fees and contracts was also a product of Carson’s leadership, as these items are now presented to Council for their approval and formal adoption. Finally, Carson brought the idea of a Community Development Corporation to the community, which was embraced and supported locally.
“When I joined the City, there was a need for many resources related to housing and neighborhood development that the local government is not able to meet,” he said. “I knew the idea of a CDC would be beneficial, as I’d seen the impact it could make in North Carolina. It was very rewarding to see community leaders such as the Williams Family Foundation take the idea for the CDC and make it become a reality, and I’m very proud that the City is able to continue partnering with such an impactful organization.”
“Alan has done an outstanding job as City Manager, and we are very appreciative of his service,” said Mayor Mobley. “He joined our community after a very tumultuous time, and his leadership was pivotal in helping us move forward. Under his direction, we have achieved great success, and he has worked to bring stability to our organization and our financial outlook. Thomasville is in a much better place for having had the benefit of Alan’s leadership.”
Carson said that Thomasville has become home and he and his wife, Debbie, intend to remain citizens of the community. “We initially chose to move to Thomasville because it was central to our daughters, with one living in Atlanta and one in Orlando,” he said. “Being centrally located between the girls made it convenient for us to travel as their families began growing. When I came to Thomasville, we were anticipating the arrival of our first grandchild, and now we are awaiting the arrival of our fifth. Debbie and I feel that now is a good time to enter a new phase of life so that we can continue traveling while also having plenty of time for our grandchildren.”
Carson’s last day with the City of Thomasville will be Thursday, February 29th.