Town Manager Chris Blue announces his retirement

GOVERNMENT; COMMUNITY NEWS

Chapel Hill Town Manager Chris Blue has announced that he will retire in early 2025 after 27 years of service to the town.

“I called for a closed session earlier today to let the Town Council know about my decision to retire,” said Blue. “I shared with them my deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve my hometown in this role and my sincere love for this community, this organization, and most of all, the people who I have had the privilege of working with through my years of service.”

Blue was appointed Town Manager in July 2023 after a national search and having served in an interim capacity for six months. Before that, Blue served as the Town’s Chief of Police for 12 years. He began his career with the Town in 1997 as a patrol officer.

During his tenure as Town Manager, Blue led the Town through a time of significant transition. He took numerous opportunities to positively impact the organization’s long-term health, including hiring several department directors, increasing employee engagement, and advancing the Town’s five-year budget strategy.

Blue said that he has not decided on an exact retirement date and will work with Town Council and Town staff to ensure a smooth transition.

“I inherited an organization full of great people and a uniquely strong workplace culture. It has been my honor to serve as manager for two years and I know that the next Town Manager will build upon the excellent work of our Town team.”

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As managing editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news.
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