Charlie George to be Tapped as Next Interim City Manager

By Mike Lednovich

Deputy City Manager Charlie George will assume the duties of interim city manager in late May when current interim City Manager Mark Foxworth vacates the position.

Foxworth, who was retired, became interim city manager in February after the termination of City Manager Dale Martin by a 3-2 City Commission vote.

Foxworth had previously been Fernandina Beach police chief. He was given a 90-day contract by the city commission that ends May 24.

Foxworth notified city officials recently that he would not serve any extension of the contract.

After Foxworth gave notice, Commissioner Chip Ross asked that a special city commission meeting be held because there was no plan and there were no candidates in place to replace Foxworth once his contract expired. Ross' request was denied.

At 3:25 today, Foxworth asked City Clerk Caroline Best to notify city commissioners by email that George had agreed to serve.

Her email said, “With your approval, City Engineer/Deputy City Manager Charles George has agreed to serve as the Interim City Manager upon Mr. Mark Foxworth completing his ninety-day contract May 24, 2023. Like Mr. Foxworth, Mr. George has a wealth of institutional knowledge and will provide professional leadership and city operations continuity. Supplemental details will be discussed/vetted with each commissioner in your charter officer meetings or may be discussed with me by phone sooner if desired."

The city commission will vote on officially naming George to the position at its April 4 meeting.

"Given the short tenure of Mr. Fox as the current interim city manager, my goal will be to maintain the stability of the city staff and guide us through the transition to a new city manager," George said.

George joined the city in November 2020 as city engineer. He was named deputy city manager in late 2021.