Perry James talks to reporters after Thursday’s announcement. Photo by Charles C. Duncan Pardo.
Raleigh City Councilors Thursday appointed the city’s Chief Financial Officer Perry James to serve as interim CEO after Russell Allen leaves the post at the end of June.
Councilors decided last month not to renew Allen’s contract, in a move that surprised many in the city.
James has been with the city since 1982, taking over the head of the finance department in 1995. He would not comment on whether it not he would apply for the permanent city manager position.
He said this a “transition period.” Perry said he plans “keep all the good things going in Raleigh going in the same direction.”
Councilors said previously they hope to start a search for the permanent city manager this summer, a process that could take several months.
