After a distinguished 40-year career in public service, Oak Ridge Deputy City Manager Jack Suggs retired on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Suggs, who has been serving as Deputy City Manager since 2021, has been a dedicated and valuable member of the City organization. He was chosen to serve as the Interim City Manager upon the retirement of Mark S. Watson on May 5, 2023, and served in that role until November 1, 2023, when current City Manager Randy Hemann began.
Suggs, who received his Bachelor’s degree from Texas Technological University and Master’s degree from Texas A&M University, came to Oak Ridge as Assistant Director of Public Works after 6 years in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He was quickly promoted to the City’s Electric Department Director and served in that role for 30 years before stepping into the Deputy City Manager role.
“Throughout my career with the City, I was honored to serve in a variety of roles and on many different projects, all focused on the good of our community,” Suggs said. “The role of Deputy City Manager and subsequently that of Interim City Manager were particularly rewarding for me, as I was able to work closely with our staff of professional public servants and understand the challenges each Department worked to overcome.”
Throughout his career, Suggs has played a pivotal role in shaping various aspects of the City organization.
“Jack has instilled a strong sense of accountability and public service at the City and we hope to continue that for decades to come,” Oak Ridge City Manager Randy Hemann said.
One of Suggs’ key contributions has been promoting customer service as a core value throughout the organization. He has also set high standards for performance and consistently emphasized quality in all aspects of work.
“Jack was monumental in keeping the City moving while Oak Ridge City Council conducted the search and selection of our new City Manager,” Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch said. “Jack is a great leader, mentor and friend to many in the organization and community.”
In addition to his commitment to excellence, Suggs has been a strong advocate for employee development. He has provided numerous opportunities for education, training and inclusion of historically under-represented groups within the organization.
“Suggs is known as the ‘go-to-guy’ for organizational issues within the City and has played an instrumental role in developing and maintaining a culture of safety throughout all departments,” Hemann said.
While he will be greatly missed by his colleagues who have become like family over the years, Suggs is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Joan, four adult children, and two grandchildren.
“The decision to retire has not been an easy one for me,” Suggs said. “The people I have worked with in the City have become like family and I feel like we’re all pursuing a mission that is worth pursuing and I’m very proud to have been a part of this organization. That said, I have great faith the leadership team in place and I look forward to what the future has to hold both for the organization and for the broader community.”
The City would like to express its sincere gratitude to Jack Suggs for his dedication and contributions to the organization. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide the City in the years to come.
For more information, please contact the Oak Ridge City Manager’s Office at (865) 425-3550.
