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AHOSKIE – Leigh Etheridge has resigned as Ahoskie’s Town Manager.

Etheridge, who was sworn in on Jan. 25, submitted her letter of resignation on Nov. 16 to Mayor Weyling White and members of the Ahoskie Town Council. In that letter, Etheridge cited family matters as the reason behind her decision to resign.

“After a very painful and unexpected year with my father’s illness and recent death, I am seeking to relocate back to my hometown [Roanoke Rapids] to assist my mother and family,” Etheridge wrote in the letter.

“I have advised our [Ahoskie] department heads and leaders that I’m just a phone call away for questions and assistance at any time,” her letter continued. “I want to ensure a very smooth transition for the town and our wonderful employees that dedicate so much of themselves to our town.

“I would like to thank everyone for the professional development that has been provided to me during my time with the town. I have learned much during my tenure here with the town and I will miss everyone terribly,” she added.

The Ahoskie Town Council met on Monday night of this week in a special called meeting to discuss Etheridge’s resignation as well as other matters. Cecilia Jones, who serves as legal counsel for the Town Council, read the resignation letter aloud to the elected officials.

It was noted that the resignation was effective Nov. 16.

The Council then, on a motion from Roy Sharpe, voted unanimously to appoint Town Clerk Jennifer Bracy as the Interim Acting Town Manager.

Bracy was sworn-in to that position by Mayor White.

Etheridge, a native of Roanoke Rapids who has spent her entire professional career working within the public sector.

Her career began with a seven-year stint as the Business Director for the Halifax County Department of Social Services. From 2012-2015 she was the assistant Finance Director for Northampton County local government before working seven years as the Finance Director for the City of Roanoke Rapids. Etheridge left that job for a similar position with the City of Poquoson, VA before accepting the Ahoskie Town Manager’s job in January of this year.

In taking the Ahoskie job, Etheridge became the first female to hold the position of Town Manager. Ahoskie was incorporated 130 years ago.