Virginia Beach City Manager Selects Amanda Jarratt as New Deputy City Manager Over Tourism, Economic Development, Planning and Agriculture Portfolio

Following a nationwide search for a key City leadership position, City Manager Patrick Duhaney has selected Amanda Jarratt as deputy city manager. Jarratt has several years of experience in municipal management, currently serving as city manager for the City of Franklin, Virginia, since January 2019. She will begin work in Virginia Beach on April 4, overseeing the departments of Agriculture, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Economic Development and Planning and Community Development.  

“Amanda brings diversified experience in planning, economic development and management for the public sector,” said City Manager Patrick Duhaney. “She is the ideal choice to oversee our Economic Vitality portfolio of departments and has the leadership and professional demeanor we are seeking to work effectively with department directors and the community.” 

Prior to her role as city manager of Franklin, Jarratt served as president and CEO of Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc., handling recruiting as well as establishing and retaining businesses and industries in the area. Her dedicated service to the City of Franklin spans over 15 years. 

“I am honored to be selected as deputy city manager for such a dynamic city,” said Jarratt. “The City of Franklin is a wonderful city and it’s been a privilege to serve and lead. I am thrilled to join City staff and the community of Virginia Beach and look forward to continued growth opportunities and successes.” 

Jarratt holds a bachelor’s degree in government from William & Mary and a master’s in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has numerous honors and accomplishments, including certifications from the Public Executive Leadership Academy at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and from the Leading, Educating, and Developing (LEAD) Program at the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center. She is a current member of the CIVIC Leadership Institute Class of 2024 Executive Program, which will conclude this coming May.