The City of East Ridge announced that City Manager J. Scott Miller will retire in January 2026, concluding an accomplished career spanning more than four and a half decades in public service.
Miller has led the City of East Ridge since January 2023, having first returned to the position as Interim City Manager in November 2022 following the departure of Chris Dorsey. This marks his second tenure as East Ridge’s City Manager, having previously served from 2016 until his first retirement in November 2018.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in working in City Management; most particularly, the years I have served as the City Manager of the City of East Ridge,” Miller said. “I have always found the profession to be both a challenging and rewarding one. Continuously working with the elected officials, employees, and the citizens to create and accomplish goals, initiatives, and projects for the betterment of the community.”
With more than 45 years of experience in city management, Miller’s decision not to renew his contract reflects his desire to officially close a long and distinguished career devoted to local government. He has also shared his intent to remain in place to support a smooth and seamless transition while his successor is selected and onboarded.
Miller’s career in municipal management began in 1974 and has included leadership positions in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, and Kansas. He has served as City Manager in more than nine municipalities across the country, overseeing hundreds of employees and managing complex budgets, redevelopment initiatives, and major capital projects. A graduate of Ohio Northern University and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Master of Public Administration, Miller is a life member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and is widely respected for his focus on teamwork, transparency, and long-term planning in local government.
“It has been a true pleasure working with Mr. Miller, first back in 2016 when I was elected as a Council Member, and then again in November of 2022, when he graciously stepped in as Interim City Manager before later transitioning to City Manager,” said Mayor Brian Williams. “Mr. Miller’s willingness to come out of retirement to assist our City speaks volumes about his deep love for East Ridge and his unwavering commitment to public service. He has been instrumental in leading and guiding major projects for the City, and his steady leadership has made a lasting and positive impact on our community. I wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
The City Council and Human Resources Department, under the direction of the Mayor, will determine the process for recruiting the next City Manager. Details regarding the search and selection timeline will be announced at a later date.
