Rocky Mount appoints new city manager

Rocky Mount City Council members voted unanimously Monday night to appoint Keith C. Rogers Jr. as city manager.

Shortly after the start of the city council regular meeting Monday evening, interim City Manager Peter Varney said he had spoken on the phone with Keith C. Rogers Jr. earlier that day, and that Rogers is scheduled to start on March 6.

Rogers has experience as the town manager of Dumfries, Virginia, and has been in this role since 2019.

Rogers previously spent a decade working for the city of Richmond, Virginia, holding various executive roles that included chief of staff and chief administrative officer.

“I am excited to join the Rocky Mount community,” Rogers said. “I thank the Mayor and City Council and I look forward to working with City staff to ensure that we serve this community with excellence.”

Rogers’ will take over as Rocky Mount’s city manager on March 6. His annual salary will be $225,000.

He will replace Peter Varney, who has served as interim city manager after former Rocky Mount City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney announced her retirement in January.

The City Council hired POLIHIRE in April to conduct a national search for a new city manager. POLIHIRE is a Washington, D.C., firm with more than 15 years of executive search and leadership development experience.

Council members interviewed Rogers in person last month.

“Keith Rogers brings a depth of experience to this role,” said Mayor Sandy Roberson. “After an exhaustive national search by POLIHIRE and an extensive vetting locally, I am confident he will excel in this role.”

Rogers has a Master’s degree in public administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He is a member of the International City Managers Association and the Virginia Local Government Management Association. He is a past adjunct professor in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU.