The City of Danville today announced that Earl B. Reynolds Jr. has been selected as deputy city manager. He has served as director of community development since Nov. 2010.
The move will be effective Friday, July 1.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Earl for three years now, and have often benefited from his thoughts and advice on a number of topics,” City Manager Ken Larking said. “As director of community development, Earl has made huge contributions to Danville in leading our blight eradication and housing efforts. In addition, he possesses great knowledge and experience in all facets of municipal government. I am pleased that he has agreed to serve as deputy city manager. All of Danville will be the beneficiary.”
Reynolds was selected for the position from a field of applicants responding to a national recruitment.
“I am delighted that Ken has offered me this exciting opportunity,” Reynolds said. “Having worked in and around the Dan River Region for almost 20 years, I can say with confidence that Danville’s best days are on the horizon and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”
Reynolds brings more than 25 years of experience in local and regional government. Prior to joining the City of Danville as director of community development, he served as director of housing and community development for Total Action Against Poverty Inc. in Roanoke.
He also was deputy executive director for the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, city manager of Martinsville for nearly 12 years, assistant city manager of Roanoke for nearly six years, and chief of community planning for Roanoke for seven years.
Reynolds has served as president of both the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Local Government Manager’s Association. He has been honored by numerous organizations, including the Roanoke chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Roanoke NAACP branch, Roanoke City Schools and Roanoke Jaycees.
He holds master’s degrees in criminal justice administration and urban planning from the State University of New York at Albany and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and American history from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. In addition, he holds an executive directors certification from the National Association of Housing and Community Development Officials.
The search attracted nearly 150 applicants. Reynolds was one of four finalists. He takes the position held by Larking, who was promoted to city manager on April 5.
