“After much reflection, and with a heavy heart I will announce my intent tonight to step down as Macon County manager,” Roland told the county commission during its Sept. 10 meeting. “The decision has not been easy.” 

Roland has been working for Macon County for the last 15 years, first as the county planner, before assuming the role of county manager at the end of 2013.

“I’ve given the past 15 years of my life to this organization,” Roland said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work alongside some of the most talented, driven and compassionate individuals I have ever known in the Macon County employees. Together we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, we’ve mourned losses and through all of that I feel like we’ve become more than colleagues, we’ve become more than friends, we’ve become family. And that is what makes this decision so bittersweet.” 

Roland assured the public that the decision to leave was one he made on his own and said that he was leaving his position with the county to pursue another career opportunity. He will stay on for the time being in order to assist the board and staff with the replacement process, working through the next commissioners meeting scheduled for Oct. 8.  

“I appreciate you accepting this, my official notice of resignation,” said Roland. “I can’t thank you all and the Macon County employees and this organization enough for the opportunities, the friendship, the love. It’s forever home to me and I appreciate each and every one of you.” 

While Roland said that after 15 years with the county there are several people he would like to thank, he will do so at the Oct. 8 commissioners meeting. The board was set to reconvene its Sept. 10 meeting at 9 a.m. Sept. 17 in order to discuss the recruitment of a new county manager.