Heather Bell
RADFORD – After 15 years leading Radford and a 40-year career in the City of Radford, Radford City Manager David Ridpath is retiring Jan. 1, 2025.
It was his experience at Student Government Day as a Radford High School senior that led Ridpath to pursue a career in local government. That path led him up through the ranks of the city administration before becoming Radford’s chief executive officer in January 2010.
“Ridpath’s 15 years as manager have been marked by investment in public safety, commercial investment and revitalization, recreational tourism enhancements, and public education and infrastructure improvements,” said City of Radford Director of Communications Jenni Webb. “From the expansion of the fire department to include EMS service to the renovation of the former box factory into a new public safety building, Ridpath’s passion for community safety shines. Recreational improvements such as the addition of sports fields and outdoor special events showcase the growth in leisure services. Radford is known for quality, reliable service and that is thanks to Ridpath and his investment in staff and the community.”
Radford Mayor David Horton said Ridpath is a big part of the successes the city has seen.
“Radford will forever be indebted to David Ridpath for his lifelong dedication to this community and our citizens,” said Horton. “David has been the lynchpin in our success, building opportunities and serving as a steady hand to help guide us through uncharted and rough times. No one has given more time and personal energy to Radford and it shows in every corner of the community.”
Ridpath said he feels honored to have been able to spend his career in his hometown.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve my hometown for the past 40 years,” he said. “It is ironic that I began my career with the development and construction of the Radford Industrial Center in the 1980’s and will end it with the ramp up of the West Radford Commerce Park in the 2020’s. Radford is a super community with so much opportunity, beauty, and assets, as well as a supportive and engaged city council and excellent staff.”
Ridpath spent eight years as Assistant City Manager before becoming city manager. He also served as Community Assistance Coordinator (Public Information), Economic Development Director and Community Development Director. He has served on several city boards and regional agencies, as well as been a member of the International City Management Association and the Virginia Local Government Managers Association.
“I always felt a calling to public service from very early as the City Manager for Youth in Government Day at Radford High School, leading to my Business and Public Administration degree in college, as well as every day throughout my career,” Ridpath said. “People are in things together and make a difference together. Our community has been through a lot in my tenure with the closing of the foundry, a pandemic, and
financial challenges, as well as economic and infrastructure growth and improvements.”
“Radford is unique in many ways, being one of 12 local governments in the state operating a utility system, provides an abundance of quality services, general and special functions, as well as enterprise service operations,” he continued. “I hope I will have contributed to making Radford prosper economically, as a good place to develop and do business, customer friendly, as well as a great place to work, live, and play.”
Ridpath.
