NORFOLK, Va. — Tuesday, News 3 learned that Norfolk City Manager Chip Filer had resigned from the city effective immediately.
In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, city council members named Deputy City Manager Pat Roberts as the new city manager, effective immediately, following Filer’s resignation.
Following Tuesday night’s meeting, News 3 asked Norfolk Mayor, Dr. Kenny Alexander, for his reaction to Filer’s stepping down from the city.
“I think it was more of a separation from the city. A mutual separation,” Alexander told News 3. “Dr. Filer has served us very well over the last four years.”
Mayor Alexander said it became evident over the past couple of weeks that Filer was ready to move on from his role as city manager.
“He felt that it was time,” Alexander said. “He felt that his work here was done, and the majority of the council members accepted his reasoning and rationale, and we wish him and his family the best.”
Filer was appointed city manager in August 2019 following the Doug Smith's resignation. Prior to becoming Norfolk's city manager, Filer was Old Dominion University's Associate Vice President for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.
On June 13, Norfolk City Council approved an expenditure regarding severance for City Manager Chip Filer.
The expenditure said "for his severance in June 2023, the city manager shall receive his annual salary for the 12 months preceding July 1, 2023, and for him and his family, he shall be eligible to elect one of the health care coverages offered city employees.
Questions remain over future of Norfolk City Manager Chip Filer
The city manager shall choose to receive the severance payment as a lump sum or equal payments over the ensuing 26 pay periods. The health care coverage shall end upon his enrollment in the health care plan of a subsequent employer or 12 months, whichever occurs first."
Mayor Alexander and other council members had high praise for Filer's work during the pandemic and other projects.
“To steer us through the pandemic the way that he did, economically, and to still maintain the bond ratings that we did, I just really want to commend him,” Norfolk council member Tommy Smigiel said.
“Say what you will about Dr. Filer. I think he’s done a great job in many ways,” Norfolk council member Andria McClellan said. “I want to commend him for the work that with did on the Coastal Storm Risk Management Plan.”
Meanwhile, residents had mixed reactions about Filer but were supportive of Roberts.
“I’m glad Chip [Filer] is gone,” one resident said.
“Pat is in the seat, and I know that Pat will do the city well and he’ll do all you guys well,” another resident said.
Before he was named Norfolk Deputy City Manager in 2021, Roberts had served as Suffolk City Manager from 2015-2020.
