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Former Chicago school’s COO tapped as Petersburg interim city manager

Posted at 12:13 AM, Oct 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-26 00:13:35-04

PETERSBURG,  Va. –A new acting city manager was named for Petersburg, following a week of changes in the city.

Dironna Belton told CBS 6 she was doing well just hours after she learned she would no longer be serving as the acting city manager, a decision that came just around a week after City Council voted to hire the Robert Bobb Group to try and help fix the city’s finances. A second vote was held over the matter, and it wasn't until a member switched their no vote that the measure was approved.

“I do thank everyone for their support and their prayers,” said Belton.

Belton will be transferring back to the transportation department.

Now, Tom Tyrrell, who was brought in by the Robert Bobb group, will take up the reins.

“I think we all want to do the same thing,” said Tyrell, “we came in as a team and we’ll identify the issues we’ll turn them into opportunities.”

According to published reports, Tyrrell has previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for Chicago Public Schools, where he helped manage the closing of nearly 50 schools in 2013.

“It’s been a big part of my life to try and do good in public service and that’s what this engagement is all about for me,” said Tyrrell.

Robert Bobb also told CBS 6 that he knows there have been some concerns regarding the acting city manager Dironna Belton.

Bobb said Belton has been extraordinary professional and cooperative and the work that she has done is work the group is going to build upon.

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