[Archived] Bruce Johnson Named Alexandria’s Acting City Manager

Today, Mayor William D. Euille announced that Bruce E. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer, has been named as the Acting City Manager for the City of Alexandria. City Council will vote on Johnson’s appointment on Monday, May 2. City Manager James K. Hartmann announced his resignation in January 2011 and his last day will be on Friday, May 6. Hartmann has accepted an offer to become the County Manager in Seminole County, Florida, and will begin his new position in late June 2011.

“We are confident in Bruce’s leadership,” said Mayor Euille.  “His excellent management and financial skills helped the City keep its strong financial footing during the good times, guided us through recent economic challenges, and has helped us to realize our current budget, which contains no shortfalls for the first time since 2008.  While Bruce is not a candidate for the permanent City Manager position, he is the perfect choice to lead our City government operations during this transition. It was City Council’s desire to appoint an Acting City Manager who was not going to be a candidate for the full-time position.”

Johnson has worked for the City of Alexandria since October of 2003. Initially, he served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and was promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer in February of 2009. Previously, he spent 27 years working for the Federal Government serving as Budget Director for the U.S. Courts, and in staff positions in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the U.S. General Accounting Office, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Johnson and his wife have resided in Alexandria for 30 years, where they have raised three children who graduated from T.C. Williams High School. Johnson received a law degree and master’s degree in public policy from Duke University. He earned his undergraduate degree in government from Harvard University.

“I am excited and honored to take on this position,” said Johnson. “My role will be to ensure that the City continues to move forward, address important issues, and perform critical services for the public.  We will build on the improvements that Jim initiated during his time here, and provide a smooth transition to a new City Manager when Council finishes making its choice.”

Alexandria City Council has interviewed and selected Ralph Andersen and Associates to conduct the City Manager Recruitment. Robert J. Burg, Executive Vice President and Executive Recruiter with Ralph Andersen and Associates, will facilitate the search and conduct three focus groups to receive input from residents and employees on the characteristics and skills they believe Council should look for in the next City Manager. City Council’s goal is to conclude the selection process by September 30, 2011.