Posted: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 3:54 pm

James H. Crumley

James H. Crumley has joined the City of Murfreesboro as Assistant City Manager.

Retired from his post as city administrator for Morristown, Tenn. over the last eight years, the Johnson City native says he is looking forward to new challenges in city management and especially in Murfreesboro.

“Murfreesboro's reputation for progressive government is one of the best in Tennessee,” Crumley said. “The leadership and vision exhibited by City Council over the last decade and the stability of the professional staff make Murfreesboro one of the premier cities in the South.

“The smooth transition of City Managers is an outstanding example of how well the Council's direction is being translated into action,” he added. “I am very pleased to join the skilled team of employees in continuing to make Murfreesboro the best place to live, work, educate and recreate. The opportunity to work with Rob Lyons and the expert staff with the City is really exciting to me.”

Crumley holds two degrees from East Tennessee State University. He earned a bachelor of science degree in political science with minors in business and journalism in 1975 and a Masters in City Management in 1977.

He is married to the former Deborah A. Dewey of Oak Ridge and the couple have three children, William, 30, who lives in Knoxville with his wife Megan and son Leyton and is employed by Holston Construction LLC; 27-year-old Jacqueline, who is employed with Tennessee Primary Care Physicians Association in Nashville and Alexander, 25, who is employed by Mr. K’s Books. He resides in Jonesborough with his wife Amber.

“My wife, Debbie and I are anxious to get settled in the ‘Boro,” Crumley said. “We are looking forward to be involved in the community.”

Among his professional accomplishments are Tennessee City Manager of the Year in 2008, an International City Management Association Credentialed City Manager since 2005 and member since 1982, board member of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System since 1985, member of the Tennessee City Managers Association since 1977 and a member of the University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) Advisory Board since 2007.

He was President of the Johnson City United Way in 1999, chairman of the agency’s campaign the year before and a member of its allocation committee since 2001, President of the Johnson City Lions Club during the 1995-96 year and a member of the Kiwanis Club in Morristown since 2001.

He is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Morristown and his interests include golf and high school and college football. He was an adjunct professor in the City Management graduate program for 10 years and managed graduate students’ internships in public administration in both Johnson City and Morristown.