The search for a new City of Elizabethton Purchasing Director is expected to come to a close soon.
City Manager Jerome Kitchens told the Elizabethton Star Monday that a public announcement for the director is expected this week, possibly as early as Wednesday. The new director will replace Gerald Harrell, who resigned from his position last week.
“Gerald always farmed locally,” Kitchens said. “His father has a farm in Morristown that is large and with his father getting some age, he will take over farming there. And knowing Gerald, he’ll also being looking at doing other work to do, too.”
During Thursday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Carter expressed gratitude and thanks for Harrell’s time at the position. Kitchens seconded Carter’s sentiments Monday.
“He always did what was necessary and did it with accuracy,” Kitchens said. “He did a great service for the city. We hate to see him go, but we understand why and wish him the best of luck.”
Harrell is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and attended Elizabethton High School. The former director had more than 20 years of municipal procurement with the local governing bodies in Jonesborough and Elizabethton.
The City of Elizabethton received 52 applications for the position, Kitchens said, which was trimmed down throughout the vetting process.
Of the names of the 52 candidates, it was noted that Elizabethton Police Department Chief Greg Workman had applied for the position. If Workman were to be named the director this week, the EPD would seek a new chief.
The new purchasing director will handle the municipal procurement for the City of Elizabethton, including the handling and disposal of surplus property via the govdeals.com website and auctions, along with dealing with vendor and bid requests.