In a significant change of administration, Pigeon Forge has appointed a new city manager, David Wear, a man who is no stranger to civic leadership. Wear, up till now the mayor of Pigeon Forge and Vice President of Operations at The Island, steps into the role succeeding Earlene Teaster, a revered figure in the city's history. Teaster retired from her post on Monday, after an impressive tenure that began in the late '70s, making her the first female city manager in Tennessee and the longest-serving city manager in the state's history.
According to WBIR, Teaster remarked on the significant growth of Pigeon Forge during her years at the helm, attributing part of the city's development to Dolly Parton's influence. The personal connection between the country music star and the retiring city manager was highlighted by a plaque from Parton, a testament to their shared efforts in shaping the city. Teaster's parting advice to her successor focused on humility and the importance of valuing relationships with colleagues.
The selection process for the new city manager was revealed in detail by the score sheets made available WVLT News, which outlined Wear's performance during an interview conducted by city commissioners and a Municipal Technical Advisory Service member. The evaluation sampled Wear's abilities in nine areas, including professionalism, success portrayal, listening, and an understanding of local government. Wear ranked highly across these domains, ultimately solidifying his candidacy for the city manager position.
The City of Pigeon Forge officially announced the appointment on their social media platforms, as per the WATE. report The announcement praised David Wears wealth of experience and commitment to community service, signaling optimism for the city's future under his stewardship. As the new city manager, Wear has outlined his priorities which include enhancing local communication, improving the quality of life in Pigeon Forge, and addressing the issue of housing affordability – challenges he will soon navigate as the leader of the city's administration.
