Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell to Retire After Seven Years of Leadership
In a recent announcement that has captured the attention of Asheville residents, City Manager Debra Campbell revealed her decision to retire, marking the end of her tenure in December 2025. Campbell communicated her plans in a letter addressed to the Asheville City Council, expressing a continued commitment to the city’s progress during the transition period.
Since assuming her role in 2018, Campbell has been a pivotal figure in steering Asheville through a variety of challenges. Her leadership has been characterized by a calm and steady approach, especially during tumultuous times including two significant water outages, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent impact of Hurricane Helene. Her resignation letter underscores her dedication to seeing through the initial phases of recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene, ensuring a strong foundation is laid for the city’s future.
Throughout her career, Campbell has been recognized as a quiet yet effective leader. She has been at the helm during several crises and played a vital role in navigating the city through a period marked by a contentious racial reckoning.
One of the more challenging aspects of her tenure was overseeing the Asheville police department, which has experienced considerable turnover with four different police chiefs during her time. Her leadership faced scrutiny in 2020 during the George Floyd protests when actions taken by the police department, including the dismantling of a protester medical station and the use of tear gas, drew public criticism.
As Campbell prepares to depart, her legacy will include both the challenges faced and the resilience demonstrated by Asheville under her guidance. Her tenure has undeniably been a defining period for the city, marked by significant events and a steadfast commitment to its development and recovery.
