[Archived] Nelsie L. Birch Named an Alexandria Acting Deputy City Manager

For Immediate Release: December 3, 2014

City Manager Rashad M. Young has announced the appointment of Nelsie L. Birch as an Acting Deputy City Manager for the City of Alexandria, effective December 13, 2014.  Birch succeeds Thomas C. Gates, who has resigned to accept the position of County Administrator for Roanoke County, Va.

“Nelsie has made significant contributions to the City’s fiscal strength and transparency,” said City Manager Young.  “She is a trusted member of my senior staff who will serve the community well in her new role.”

As Acting Deputy City Manager, Birch will oversee the City’s Office of Management and Budget, Office of Performance and Accountability, Office of Internal Audit, Office of Communications and Public Information, and Department of Human Resources.

Birch joined the City in 2012 as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.  In addition to overseeing the development of the City’s annual operating budget and capital improvement program, she is responsible for management analysis and innovation initiatives.  Birch led the creation of the City’s new budget philosophy and the City’s first Five-Year Financial Plan, and helps lead Results Alexandria, the City’s performance management system.

Birch has nearly 15 years of experience working for and with local governments.  She has served as Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Greensboro, N.C., and Principal Program Assessment Analyst for the City of Baltimore.  Birch has also worked as associate director of the Fitch Ratings Public Finance Department, a position in which she performed credit analysis on local government tax and revenue-supported bonds.

Birch is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and a graduate of its leadership institute.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Knox College, and a master’s degree in public administration and urban management from Northern Illinois University.

For media inquiries, contact Craig T. Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.