Departing Town Manager Says Goodbye

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod (right) presents two collages to outgoing town manager Steve Biggs (left). JoCoReport.com Photo
Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod (right) presents two collages to outgoing town manager Steve Biggs (left). JoCoReport.com Photo

Today (Friday) is the last day on the job for Clayton Town Manager Steve Biggs. Biggs announced last month he was stepping down to accept a job as the city manager of Christiansburg, Virginia, population 21,500. He will begin work there on July 1st.

Over the past 19 years in Clayton, Biggs helped lead Clayton through change and growth.  Clayton went from a town of 6,000 residents to nearly 20,000 today, making it Johnston’s largest municipality.

“Steve Biggs is one of the leaders that consistently works behind the scenes for the betterment and enrichment of the town of Clayton and its citizens,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “He will never accept credit for his countless contributions to our Town. While we wish him well in his new endeavor, he will be greatly missed.”

At Biggs last town council meeting Monday night, Mayor McLeod presented him with photos of places and things Clayton has built or added under his tenure.  Among them were before and after photos of the renovated Clayton Center and the new Town Seal, which was revamped under his direction.

Another collage featured photos of greenways, the 4th of July fireworks, the police station and memorial to fallen officers there, and a child next to a Clayton fire truck at one of the two new fire stations built since he became town manager.

Biggs and his wife, Elissa, have three children, all raised in Clayton’s public schools.

“I was very lucky to work for Clayton over these past few years,” Biggs told WTSB News. “We have enjoyed great elected leadership, a good economy, and the ability to attract a fine staff. Everyone has been very nice to me through this change and I appreciate that more than they know.”

Deputy Town Manager Nancy Medlin has been named the interim town manager until a permanent replacement is selected.  The council hopes to have a new manager in places between September and November.