Reno Reporter

The Reno City Council today appointed Jackie Bryant as interim City Manager, effective July 8, 2024. Bryant, who has served as an Assistant City Manager at the City of Reno since April 2021, will step into the role while the city works with an external executive recruitment firm to find a new City Manager.

"We are excited and fortunate to have Jackie Bryant serving as our Interim City Manager during this transition," said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. "From day one in her position as Assistant City Manager, Ms. Bryant has been a key leader at the City of Reno. I am confident in her ability to guide our team forward while we seek a permanent City Manager to replace Doug Thornley and continue the important work being done here in the Biggest Little City."

Jackie Bryant began her career as an attorney in 1995 after graduating from California Western School of Law. She has extensive experience in regulatory and administrative law, including roles as managing attorney for the legal division at the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and Senior Deputy Attorney General at the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. She also served as General Counsel to the Governor during the transition from Governor Gibbons to Governor Sandoval and later became Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Sandoval. Before joining the City of Reno, Bryant served as the Second Judicial District Court Administrator and Clerk of Court.

Since becoming Assistant City Manager, Bryant has been a leader in helping make Reno not just livable but lovable. She initiated "City Walks," a program that brings together various city departments to address community concerns and enhance quality of life. She has also been instrumental in improving housing stability, overseeing the disbursement of $1.5 million in rental and deposit assistance to residents in need over the past six months, as well as critical funding to help develop nearly 500 affordable housing units in Reno in the last year. A champion for community vibrancy, Bryant oversees several departments including Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Utility Services, Sustainability, Maintenance and Operations, Housing and Neighborhood Development, and Development Services.

"I am honored to serve as Interim City Manager for the City of Reno," said Bryant. "Our organization is well-positioned for continued success, and I am confident we will maintain our momentum. I look forward to helping our city thrive during this transition period while our Council searches for a replacement."

On April 8, 2024, Reno City Manager Doug Thornley announced his resignation from the city of Reno effective July 7, 2024. The city's Human Resources Department is collaborating with Bob Murray & Associates, a leading executive recruitment firm, to conduct the recruitment search. According to the Reno City Charter, the city manager position must be filled within six months of a vacancy.