Wake Forest’s Deputy Town Manager Roe O’Donnell announced Monday that he will retire on April 1. He told Town Manager Kip Padgett, Mayor Vivian Jones, the town commissioners and department heads on Friday. He said he plans to spend time with his wife, Karen, and their family, and he also may act as a consultant.
O’Donnell came to Wake Forest in 1993 and in the 23 years since has overseen or managed the town’s public works, police, engineering, inspections, management information systems and Renaissance Centre. He was a key player during the water-sewer merger with the City of Raleigh, tracking the finances and the required projects. He also oversaw the redesign of South Franklin Street and the town’s first roundabout where South Main Street meets Durham Road/N.C. 98.
He will be missed. “The citizens of Wake Forest are losing a wonderful public servant,” Padgett said. “Roe has effectively served the town with his leadership, professionalism, engineering expertise and determination to get the job done. He has also been an invaluable resource for me personally – helping me get to know the community and settle in as town manager. He will be greatly missed.”
Former town manager Mark Williams echoed the sentiment. “Roe was a vital part of my management team throughout my tenure as manager. He is one of the smartest individuals I have ever met. Wake Forest is a much better place because of his service over the past twenty-plus years!”
As to plans for O’Donnell’s successor, Padgett said the town is evaluating its options and will make a decision about how to move forward in the coming weeks.
