Bristol City Manager Randall Eads to step down; assistant Tamara Spradlin named interim

Randall Eads, Bristol's city manager and former city attorney, told the City Council on Jan. 12 that he is leaving for a new opportunity and thanked council members and staff for years of service. "I don't have any major announcements tonight other than ... I do want to thank the city council for allowing me to serve as a city manager and city attorney," Eads said.

After a closed session on personnel, the council reconvened and the presiding mayor announced that, effective Wednesday at 5 p.m. upon Eads' resignation, Assistant City Manager Tamara Spradlin will assume the role of interim city manager under City Charter section 2-6. The mayor said a job posting for the permanent position will be posted in the near future.

Councilmembers offered public thanks: one councilmember said Eads "will be a major part of our success and our recovery," and staff and elected officials expressed appreciation for his leadership. At the council meeting, Eads also thanked staff and his wife for support, saying the work had been challenging but rewarding.

No formal vote was recorded terminating Eads; the council moved into closed session under Code of Virginia §2.2-3711 to discuss personnel matters before announcing the transition. The council did not discuss details of a separation agreement or final date beyond the interim appointment timing announced at the meeting.

The interim appointment means day-to-day operations will continue under city management until the council fills the permanent post. Councilmembers and at least one member of the public urged that the recruitment and appointment process for both the city manager and city attorney be transparent in public notices and meetings.