Summerfield council names interim town manager following staff resignations

Summerfield approved hiring an interim town manager on Thursday.

The Town Council voted four to one to hire Dana Luther as interim manager and town finance officer – two roles she previously held years ago.

Councilmember Jonathan Hamilton said at the meeting Luther's experience as a public accountant will provide an invaluable resource.

"I recognize that the path ahead may present challenges, but Dana's resilience and strength of character are the very attributes that our town deserves," Hamilton said.

She will replace outgoing Town Manager Scott Whitaker, whose contract was not renewed by the council earlier this year.

The decision also comes just weeks after all nine members of the town's staff announced their resignations due to the alleged mistreatment of Whitaker.

According to a town news release, some of Summerfield's services have since been temporarily suspended until a new administration can resume activities.

Luther is set to begin no later than June 11.