For more than seven years, Greenville City Manager Wayne Bowers helped guide this community through the challenges of an exploding population and an economic recession that forced difficult choices on elected officials. His work during that time was never flashy, but Bowers brought a modest professionalism to the table that served the city well.

His unexpected resignation, announced at the start of the City Council’s annual planning session, will leave vacant two of the most important and visible appointed positions in Greenville. Finding Bowers’ replacement will require a time-consuming and comprehensive search, one that identifies an experienced candidate who values citizen engagement and transparency in government.

One week after Greenville Police Chief William Anderson tendered his resignation to accept the same position in Asheville, the city manager surprised with his own resignation, effective March 1. Bowers came to the city in 2004, taking over for Marvin Davis when Davis accepted the council’s decision to make him a deputy manager.

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