Huggard tapped for interim manager position

Culpeper Town Council is tapping one of its own for the interim town manager position.

At a meeting Monday morning, the Committee of the Whole recommended the appointment of former Town Councilman Tom Huggard, 68, to fill the post starting in mid-December.

Council still has to formally approve Huggard's appointment as acting manager at its regular meeting Dec. 11, but five council members supported the recommendation at Monday's meeting.

Councilman Steve Jenkins voted against it while Councilwoman Emma Richards, Councilman Jim Risner and Vice Mayor Billy Yowell were absent.

Town Manager Brannon Godfrey's last day on the job is Dec. 28. He begins as city manager of Winchester in January.

Assistant Town Manager Noah Simon left his post last month to take a similar job in Minnesota. His position will remain vacant until a permanent manager is brought on board.

According to Godfrey, council considered two options for selecting an acting manager: going through a local government pool of retired managers from around the state or appointing Huggard, who council knew had prior managerial experience.

"They looked at the advantage of having Tom right here in town, being familiar with staff and council and the issues and his experience as an interim manager and town manager," Godfrey said.

If officially appointed, Huggard would work up to 40 hours per week, earning $55 per hour, the equivalent hourly rate of what Godfrey makes now.

Town Councilman Chip Coleman supported the selection.
"I think Tom has the background and experience. He is well respected by council, staff and the community and lives two blocks away (from town hall)," Coleman said. "It makes sense to bring him in as acting (manager)."

Huggard was elected to Culpeper Town Council in 2002 and served one term before stepping down in 2006.

Prior to moving to Culpeper 10 years ago, he spent nearly three decades working for the federal government, most of it with the Department of Defense.

After retiring from that career, he went on to serve as town manager of Chevy Chase, Md., for four years and then as interim town manager of Dumfries from 2000-01.

Since settling in Culpeper with his wife, Kay, Huggard has been thoroughly involved in the community.

He served on the Town Planning Commission for five years (2001-06) and with the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission for four years (2002-06). Huggard currently serves as president of the Museum of Culpeper History and is on the boards of the Dawn Lions Club, Culpeper Schools Foundation and Culpeper Free Clinic.

He is also a member of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.
Though not necessarily looking for another career, Huggard said he was definitely interested in stepping in as interim manager when approached by the town.

"I think it is a tough time for the council, losing both of their top two appointed officials and then going into the budget season," he said.

"I said I would be happy to help them out and throw my hat in the ring."

Huggard said his experience as an elected and appointed official lends understanding of "the crosswalk" between the two.

"I understand the people and the issues, and in that sense the learning curve for me would be less," he said.

Huggard said he was not interested in seeking the manager's position on a permanent basis.

Councilman Jenkins said he voted against the recommendation to appoint Huggard because of the hiring process.

"My expectation would have been to more fully explore other options for applicants," he said.

"I always support looking locally first, but I would have preferred that we advertise locally so others of a similar background to Tom's could have also applied."

Allison Brophy Champion can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 101 or

Meet Tom Huggard

Age: 68

Experience: Prior to his time on the Town Council, Huggard served four years as town manager of Chevy Chase, Md., and a year as interim town manager of Dumfries. He has also served on the Town Planning Commission and the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission, and is currently president of the Museum of Culpeper History.