By CARRIE KIRSCHNER
ASHLAND — Ashland’s Director of Planning and Community Development has announced he will leave his post in July.
Greg Rice informed Ashland officials late Tuesday afternoon he will resign from his position July 5 to take a job in Dunedin, Fla.
Rice said he accepted the position as the director of planning and community development of the Tampa suburb Monday evening and will start work there in mid-July. His wife, Debbie, has family in the area and it is the only job he was considering, he said.
City Manager Steve Corbitt lamented the loss of Rice Wednesday afternoon, “He’s a great loss. I’m distraught he’s leaving here.” He said that same sentiment has been shared among other public officials as they have learned the news. “It’s been a universal cry of anguish,” Corbitt said.
“There has not been, and I have not run into, anybody better in that position than Greg Rice. I think the whole city staff feels the same way,” Corbitt said. “He’s just been a tremendous benefit. He’s taken that department where it has never been before.”
Rice was hired as Risk Manager in 2001 by former City Manager William H. Fisher. He served 31/2 years in that position before becoming Director of Planning and Community Development.
Corbitt said Rice is known to go above and beyond the call of duty. He often volunteers his time to complete other tasks and is always heavily involved in other city projects.
The tenacity and creativity Rice uses to solving problems and launch comprehensive programs — such as the 10-year Plan to End Homelessness and the Pollard Revitalization Project — have earned him a good reputation with state and federal officials, Corbitt added.
Rice said he is confident the city staff will be able to pick up where he left off on the numerous key projects.
“I will do everything in my power to keep that stuff going,” he said, adding modern technology such as e-mail and telephone will make offering his assistance, if it is needed, easier.
No decisions have been made about filling the position, Corbitt said.
CARRIE KIRSCHNER can be reached at ckirschner@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.
