LOGAN – Longtime Community Development Director of Logan City Mike DeSimone will retire on Jan. 22, to be replaced by Russ Holly, who currently serves as the city’s senior planner.
In his first monthly newsletter, Mayor Mark Anderson saluted DeSimone’s year of dedicated service to the community as being marked with “thoughtfulness, professionalism and care for our community.”
“Throughout his career,” the former city council member remarked, “he helped preserve the city’s character while navigating complex issues related to zoning, growth and neighborhood identity.
“Mike’s door was always open and many benefited from his deep knowledge, steady guidance and willingness to engage in both technical discussions and meaningful personal conversations.”
Holly will also bring many years of previous valuable service to Logan and its residents to the community development office, according to the mayor.
“He emphasizes respect, dignity and collaboration as essential tools for building understanding and making meaningful progress,” Anderson explained.
Veteran city council member Jeannie Simmonds joined Anderson in expressing regret on the eve of DeSimone’s retirement.
“He mentored those he supervised in a constructive and positive way,” she observed.
“I know that Mike’s contributions — even the ones that I disagreed with – will stand us well as a city in the future.”