City Manager’s Office
22 Lincoln Street • Hampton, Virginia 23669 Date: May 14, 2009
Phone (757) 727-6437
www.hampton.gov
Dianne Randall Foster, Public Communications Officer
Jim Oliver, former city manager of Norfolk, Portsmouth and county administrator of James City County, began his first day as the city of Hampton’s interim city manager today. Oliver, known for his leadership and strong organizational skills, will continue to move Hampton forward while a search is conducted to name a permanent city manager.
Oliver led major development projects and revitalization efforts during his twelve year tenure with the city of Norfolk, and he was the guiding force behind Portsmouth’s governmental revitalization. He also served as the chairman of the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement, whose mission is to connect public decision-making with civil dialogue and the informed judgment of the region’s citizens.
“Jim Oliver is an experienced city manager which is what Hampton needs during this transition,” said Hampton Mayor Molly Ward.
Oliver holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Notre Dame and was a broadcast journalist in Hampton Roads in the late 1960s.
The city of Hampton will conduct a national search to recruit for the city manager position created by the retirement of former City Manager Jesse T. Wallace, Jr.