The spot vacated by longtime director of Charlottesville neighborhood development services Jim Tolbert in February officially will be filled August 17. Alexander Ikefuna, former director of community services and planning in Mobile, Alabama, will step in to take over the position that’s been held by interim director Missy Creasy since Tolbert left.
Ikefuna discovered he was being forced out of his position in Mobile when the mayor posted his job on the city’s website and sought applications. More than 30 people showed up at a City Council meeting in February in support of Ikefuna, according to Mobile media accounts. “The mayor brought his buddies in,” says Ikefuna in a phone call. “He made changes. They told me he had a new team.”
“The changes certainly were not exclusive to Alex’s position,” says Charlottesville City Manager Maurice Jones. “That type of thing happens in public service. I am confident Alex has the experience and skill set to lead this department. He will do an excellent job here in Charlottesville.”
Ikefuna, who will be paid $125,000, has also held community development posts in Post Falls, Idaho, Salt Lake City and Savannah. His first plans in Charlottesville? To get to know the community and his staff, he says.