FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2024

Kim Haws Announces Retirement After Decades of Municipal Leadership

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After providing nearly 40 years of dedicated municipal leadership, Kim Haws has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 20, 2024, officially ending his career as a city manager.
 
 “We wish Kim and his family the best as he welcomes this new chapter of his life,” said Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam. “Being a city manager isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s hard work and he has done an excellent job. Together, we were able to overcome significant obstacles and difficult situations with Kim’s help. His outstanding leadership has set Morgantown on a path to success, and for that, we are grateful.”
 
 Since his appointment as City Manager, Haws has led Morgantown in increasing revenue, strengthening partnerships with dozens of community groups, and implementing a comprehensive approach to completing a long list of capital improvement projects.
 
 “Kim has certainly served our community well over the years,” Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin stated. “We are thankful for his steadfast leadership and commitment to moving our city forward. Kim’s positive influence will be noticed for years to come.”
 
 As Haws prepares for his retirement, Morgantown City Council is set to appoint an Interim City Manager to oversee operations following his departure. This appointment is expected to be made at the next City Council meeting on Dec. 17, 2024, in accordance with Article III Section 3.03 of the City of Morgantown’s Municipal Charter. In the meantime, City Council will actively work with Raftelis, an agency contracted to assist with executive recruitment, to identify a permanent successor.
 
 “As always, we have unwavering confidence in our department head's leadership and the exceptional service quality of our staff,” said Emily Muzzarelli, Morgantown’s Assistant City Manager. “Even through transitions in leadership, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service possible. I think this is a direct reflection of Kim’s legacy.”
 
 When asked to comment on his retirement, Haws shared, “I have been honored to serve the wonderful people of Morgantown and the various communities throughout my career. Being a city manager has always been a labor of love.”

“I appreciate our citizens, council, staff, and community partners who added so much value to the end of my career,” Haws added. “I have a deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defines our city. I look forward to seeing Morgantown continue to grow and prosper.”

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