Anita Favors Thompson
Photo courtesy of wctv
The community, colleagues, and friends will gather at Cascades Park to celebrate the retirement of City Manager Anita Favors Thompson on Thursday.
Thompson has served as City Manager for 18 years, helping improve Tallahassee. During her tenure, Tallahassee has received numerous accolades such as: All America City in 1999, The best in America in 2004 and was named a Green City in 2008
Michelle Bono, served as Thompson’s aid for 18 years expressed that Thompson will leave a legacy that will always be remembered by those she worked with.
“Anita Favors Thompson has always reminded us that doing the right thing was most important. I have had the pleasure of working along-side her for 18 years,” Bono said. “Her love of service was always at the forefront of her vision for the community.”
Apart from being City Manager, Thompson also is a founding member of the Oasis Center for Women and Girls, where she works with Executive Director Haley Cutler.
“She (Thompson) helped get the center started in 2007, by believing in the vision and pledging her own money,” Cutler said. “She is an integral part of the center and continues to involve herself in the lives of these women who need role models, such as herself.”
One of Thompson’s many accomplishments include: the recent remodeling of FAMU Way, which now exhibits a round-a-bout, an entrance sign for FAMU, streetlights, and landscape.
“She pays close attention to detail, which is exemplified on projects such as FAMU Way, Cascades Park, and Frenchtown—all being places that she has revitalized,” Bono said.
Mayor Andrew Gillum expressed his that under Thompson’s leadership, Tallahassee has seen numerous improvements.
“Our community will never see another City Manager like Anita,” Mayor Andrew Gillum said. “Over her 25 years in Tallahassee, our city has seen dynamic growth and quality of life that few places can match. Throughout my time as a Commissioner and now Mayor, I have counted Anita as a mentor and a dear friend, and I sincerely thank her for her service. Tallahassee would not be where it is today without her steadfast commitment and tireless contributions to the people of our great city.”
City Commissioner Gil Ziffer reflected on Thompson’s impact that she left in City Hall.
“The City Manager’s presence can be felt throughout City Hall,” City Commissioner Gil Ziffer said. “Her attention to detail will be noticeably absent as her ability to build consensus within her staff and the City Commissioner on issues Tallahassee has faced over the past 18 years.”
A second community event will take place on Sunday, Nov.22, at 6:40 p.m. at Bethel AME Church which is located at 501 W. Orange Avenue.
Anita Favor Thompson’s Farewell Celebration will be held from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.