UPDATE: Utt resigns as Pulaski Town Manager to be next County Administrator in Smyth County

Pulaski Town Manager Shawn Utt on Tuesday announced his resignation.

He has been named as the next county administrator of Smyth County.

The following is a statement from the Town of Pulaski on his resignation:

After seven years as a community leader in the Town of Pulaski, Shawn Utt has announced his pending resignation as Pulaski Town Manager effective, July 2nd.

In his resignation, Utt stated, “I believe we have made great strides during my tenure as Town Manager and there are amazing opportunities for the Town on the horizon. I have truly loved my time here, but it’s time for me to explore other career opportunities and allow for the torch to be passed to the next leader.”

He goes on to state “It has been my honor to have worked and served with nine different members of Town Council and three separate Mayors to help grow this great community into a better place for all of its citizens. I wish the Town of Pulaski, its elected leadership and the incredible Town staff nothing but success and continued growth in the days, months and years ahead.”

During Utt’s tenure as Town Manager, the Town was blessed with increases in private investments evidenced by the renovated and expanded Calfee Park, Al’s on First / Jackson Park Inn, Falls Stamping NRV and numerous other projects. The Town is also in the midst of a Downtown revitalization mission with several investors now believing in the great economic potential the Town has to offer.

In response to Utt’s resignation, Mayor David Clark stated “I have worked with Shawn for the last seven years and watched as he put his heart and soul into making Pulaski a better place for everyone who lives here. The work he has done will be a great foundation for whomever comes next. He leaves us a much better place and I am proud to have served with him.”

The Town Council will immediately embark on a recruitment effort for the next Town Manager with the goal of filling the position by the end of summer to ensure the positive progress continues to move the Town forward.