New OR deputy city manager named
TOM PESSEMIER
Pessemier is set to begin on Monday, May 6. He replaces Jack Suggs, who chose to retire as of April 5.
The deputy city manager assists the city manager in running the various city departments on behalf of the Oak Ridge City Council.
Suggs leaving city government marks the end of an era for Oak Ridge.
His time in different positions for Oak Ridge government spans 40 years. He came to work as assistant director of public works after six years in Wichita Falls, Texas. The city promoted him to Electric Department director, a role in which served for 30 years, before becoming deputy city manager.
Briefly, he was interim city manager in between Mark Watson and Hemann.
A city news release stated 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 in the release. “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,” he said. “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.”
Hemann, in another city news release, welcomed Pessemier.
“I am thrilled to have Tom joining our team in Oak Ridge,” he said. “He has a track record of bringing people together to achieve community goals and provide excellent customer service.
“I look forward to partnering with Tom and our leadership team to serve the citizens and institutions in Oak Ridge.”
He recently served three years with the city of Independence, Oregon, as city manager and public works director. Prior to that, he was assistant city manager of the city of Sherwood, Oregon, for six years.
“I am excited to be joining the outstanding management team at the city of Oak Ridge,” Pessemier said.
“Oak Ridge is home to many residents who are world leaders in innovation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
“It is an honor to be able to serve this community,” he said. “I am looking forward to all the great accomplishments that will be achieved together in Oak Ridge.”
He said he looks forward to moving to the city, listening and learning, while developing relationships over the coming months.