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Smithfield honors retiring town manager Michael L. Scott; names Kimberly Pickett interim
Summary
The Town of Smithfield honored Michael L. Scott with a proclamation and applause, appointed Assistant Town Manager Kimberly Pickett as interim manager effective Feb. 1, 2026, and swore her in. Council also appointed Pickett to the town's utility board; vote counts were recorded by voice only.
Mayor Andy Moore opened Monday's Town of Smithfield council meeting by presenting a proclamation honoring Michael L. Scott for his public service and announcing Scott's retirement effective Feb. 1, 2026. Moore credited Scott, who joined Smithfield in October 2009 as police chief and was appointed town manager in 2016, with guiding the town through infrastructure projects, long-range planning and the COVID-19 emergency response.
"More than 16 years providing exemplary leadership, steadfast dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service," Moore read as he described Scott's tenure, noting the town secured nearly $8,000,000 in federal grant awards and nearly $19,000,000 in state grant awards during Scott's leadership. "On behalf of the town council and the citizens of Smithfield, I want I want to thank you for your many years of dedicated service and leadership," Moore said.
Scott, who said he has worked in city government for 42 years, thanked family, staff and the community. "It's been a good ride," he said.
Following the proclamation, Scott recommended that Assistant Town Manager Kimberly Pickett serve as interim town manager upon his retirement. The council moved to appoint Pickett as interim manager with a 10% interim salary increase contingent on the temporary appointment; the motion carried on a voice vote (all in favor, 'Aye'; detailed tally not specified). Pickett was later sworn in and took the oath of office.
Council also authorized a change in the town's representative to the Municipal Power Agency No. 1, appointing Pickett as the town's representative on the Electric City's Board of Commissioners; the swearing-in ceremony was recorded in the minutes.
The council closed the meeting by announcing a retirement reception for Scott and other brief event updates. No formal dissent was recorded during these personnel motions.
