Grottoes Manager Steps Down

GROTTOES - Grottoes Town Manager Avery Daugherty resigned last week, just 16 months after taking the position.

The town announced the resignation, effective Wednesday, in an email late Friday afternoon. The email did not cite a reason for Daugherty’s abrupt departure.

Town Council hired Daugherty, 27, in June 2011. He received a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in 2007 and a master’s from JMU in 2009, both in public administration. He started with an annual salary of $43,000.

Daugherty, of Suffolk, replaced Ashley Jacobs, who served Grottoes for three years as superintendent and then town manager, a title change that gave her more responsibilities. She was hired five weeks after graduating from JMU in 2008.

Town Councilman John Funk declined comment Saturday afternoon, saying he wanted to see Daugherty’s resignation letter before reacting.

Mayor Joe Morris could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Contact Preston Knight at 574-6272 or pknight@dnronline.com