Geneva City Manager Amie Hendrix will leave her post this summer, ending a four-year run that saw the city navigate financial pressure, staffing shortages, infrastructure challenges, flooding events and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
The city announced Thursday that Hendrix submitted her resignation effective July 8 as she prepares to relocate to Kittery, Maine, for a new professional opportunity and what she described as the best decision for her family.
“It was an opportunity I simply could not pass up,” Hendrix said in a statement released by the city, describing the decision as “incredibly difficult” after extensive reflection about both her personal and professional future.
Hendrix has served as Geneva’s top administrative official during one of the more turbulent stretches in recent city history, overseeing operations through economic uncertainty, organizational turnover and several major development discussions. In the city’s announcement, officials pointed to her role managing infrastructure needs, pandemic recovery efforts and ongoing staffing challenges.
Mayor Jim Cecere praised Hendrix’s leadership and thanked her for remaining in the position through early July to help guide the transition process.
“She led this organization through some of the most difficult circumstances any city manager could face — and she did it with professionalism and commitment,” Cecere said.
Hendrix’s resignation statement also appeared to underscore some of the broader tensions that have existed inside city government in recent years, particularly around the relationship between elected officials and professional staff.
“Geneva’s future success will depend heavily on leadership’s willingness to support, trust, and empower the professional staff responsible for carrying out the work of government every day,” Hendrix said. “Disagreement in government is natural and healthy, but continued progress requires collaboration, mutual respect, and support for the people doing the work.”
She credited city employees for maintaining services and operations during difficult circumstances, saying staff consistently demonstrated resilience and professionalism while handling emergencies, budgets, infrastructure maintenance and day-to-day operations.
Hendrix also thanked residents, community organizations and local partners for their support during her tenure, calling it “one of the greatest honors” of her career to serve Geneva.
City Council is expected to discuss transition plans during its June meeting. Cecere said city department heads and staff will continue operations without interruption while the city moves through the process of identifying new leadership.
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