The Martinsville City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides as its new City Manager. At its meeting on Tuesday September 26th, the City Council unanimously approved an employment agreement with Ferrell-Benavides. Ferrell-Benavides was most recently the City Manager of Duncanville, Texas and previously served as City Manager in Petersburg, Virginia and Glenn Heights, Texas. She succeeds Leon Towarnicki, who retired in August after forty-one total years of service to the City, including the last ten years as the City Manager.
Mayor L.C. Jones said, “We are excited to welcome Ms. Aretha Ferrell-Benavides to our community. Aretha brings a plethora of experience in local government, economic development, and city leadership. Council was impressed by her many achievements in the City of Petersburg Virginia and with her proven track record we are certain that she will be a valuable asset to the City of Martinsville.”
The City Council conducted a national search for the new City Manager, assisted by The Berkley Group, of Bridgewater, Virginia. The Berkley Group received applications and conducted initial interviews with the most qualified candidates and assisted in selecting finalists for interviews with Council. Council expressed their appreciation for the services of Interim City Manager, Glen Adams, as they completed the search for a new City Manager.
Ferrell-Benavides received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Southern University and an MPA from Howard University. She completed the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, Intergovernmental Executive Development Program at Harold Washington College and the Executive Leadership Institute through the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. Ferrell-Benavides is a member of the International City and County Management Association (ICMA), the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) and a Fellow with the National Academy of Public Administration.
“The City Council has a great vision for the community that is focused on good government and enhancing the quality of life for residents,” said Ferrell-Benavides. “I particularly look forward to working with local and regional partners on important revitalization and economic development projects. I appreciate the confidence that the Council has shown in me. I am looking forward to getting settled in the city and getting to know and serve the employees and citizens Martinsville,” she continued.
Ferrell-Benavides will assume her duties as Martinsville City Manager in early October.