Economic director hands in resignation

Waynesboro braces to lose a third leader in city Economic Development Director Meghan Williamson.
After serving more than two years, Williamson submitted her resignation — effective Aug. 8 — to Interim City Manager Mike Hamp on Friday morning.
“I think that it was an opportunity for me to reevaluate and consider my next steps,” Williamson said. “I think the city is in its own transition, so I think to the extent that it is taking new steps, it is time for me to do so as well.”
Williamson is following behind former City Attorney Robert Lunger, who resigned in April, and City Manager Doug Walker. Mayor Tim Williams presented Walker with an ultimatum immediately following the May elections – resign or be fired. Walker chose resignation.
The general consensus regarding Williamson’s exit is one of regret.
“It certainly will be a loss for the city,” said James Fitzgerald, human resources director for the city. “She came to us with a wealth of knowledge as far as economic development. …
“She is an exceptional employee; very dedicated and interested in the future economic development for the city of Waynesboro. She is a young individual with a lot of potential. Our loss will be someone else’s gain.”
Williamson has been a leading player in economic development projects throughout Waynesboro. During her tenure, the Economic Development Authority has become “a very strong and proactive body,” according to Williamson.
In addition, she has worked closely with the Wayne Theatre Alliance initiative, the group driving for the restoration and operation of the Wayne Theatre in downtown. She has also been instrumental in the development of the enterprise zone, which provides incentives for businesses that locate to targeted areas of the city.
“Good things are happening on the West End; downtown has taken some pretty major steps forward; the Heritage Museum; the Shenandoah Valley Art Center … a lot of that just wasn’t there two years ago,” Williamson said.
“As well as organizational things. The Waynesboro Downtown Development has hired a new director and a new events coordinator,” Williamson said. “The city tourism office has solidified a regional partnership with Staunton and Augusta County, trying to work out some regional marketing efforts. There’s just been so much activity across the board.”
Nonprofit entities in Waynesboro are disturbed by the sudden news of another loss to City Hall.
“She has worked very hard to economically promote the city,” said Shirley Bridgeforth, president of the board of directors for the Waynesboro Heritage Foundation Inc. “She gets in and pinch-hits and gets these things done. She is young, so she makes a good candidate to move on. She is a very bright young lady and had to learn a lot fast. I’m just real sad that she’s leaving.”
Councilwoman Lorie Smith expressed regret, but feels Williamson will prosper no matter where she goes from here.
“I’m very disappointed,” said Smith. “But I think Meghan is making a career choice for herself. She is young and she’s very dynamic. I know that she has a bright future ahead of her.”
Frank Lucente agreed, but does not fear for Waynesboro’s economic future without Williamson.
“I hate to see her go,” Lucente said. “She will be missed. It’s a loss, but I think she’s young and she wants to travel a bit. You’re only young once, so it’s not such a bad idea. I wish her the best. The city will continue to prosper and the sun will come up tomorrow.”
Meghan has no immediate plans for a new job. Instead, she hopes to enjoy some downtime traveling cross-country and through Europe. She believes, however, that she will remain close to Waynesboro, having family in Botetourt county.
“It’s been a wild two years,” Williamson said. “The one thing I can say is that I’m very proud and happy to have worked for two years for the city of Waynesboro. I’ve worked with some of the most talented and amazing people, both within the city government and also within the local economy; small businesses, large developers, and folks leading and running nonprofits. It has been a joy to work in Waynesboro.”