[Archived] Alexandria Director of Management & Budget Nelsie L. Birch Resigns to Accept New Position; Morgan E. Routt Named Acting Director

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2015

Nelsie Birch

Morgan Routt

Acting City Manager Mark B. Jinks has announced that Nelsie L. Birch, Director of Management and Budget, will resign effective April 18, 2015, to accept a position with the Government of the District of Columbia. Birch will oversee a portfolio of departments, including Human Resources, Information Technology, General Services, Human Rights, Contracting and Procurement, Public Works, and Motor Vehicles.

"Nelsie has been a leader and innovator in Alexandria," said Jinks. "She helped usher in a new budget philosophy to align long-term outcomes with service delivery, and incorporated extensive community engagement to make our budget more responsive and transparent."

Birch joined the City in 2012 as Director. 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 first Five-Year Financial Plan, and helped lead Results Alexandria, the City's performance management system.

"I have truly enjoyed living and working in Alexandria," said Birch. "I'm proud of what my team has accomplished, and I'll miss the many great friends I've made here." Jinks also announced that Morgan E. Routt will serve as Acting Director until a permanent Director is selected.

"Morgan has helped develop the last 16 annual City budgets," said Jinks. "I am confident that Morgan will oversee a seamless transition to complete the budget development process."

Routt joined the City in 1999 as a Budget Analyst, and became Assistant Director in 2010. In addition to his role within the City's budget team, he has represented the City in the development of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's FY2011 to FY2016 capital funding agreement, as a member of the financial working group on the start-up of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and currently on the Waste-to-Energy facility monitoring group.

Routt is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association. Prior to his work in Alexandria, Routt worked for Prince William County's Office of Management and Budget and Department of Public Works.

Routt holds bachelor's degree in government and international politics from George Mason University and a master's degree in public administration from Virginia Tech.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Information Officer, at 703.746.3959 or andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov .   

This news release is available online at www.alexandriava.gov/83926.