East Ridge City Manager J. Scott Miller retiring after 45 years of public service
J. Scott Miller | Courtesy: City of East Ridge / Cameron McAllister
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The City of East Ridge has announced that City Manager J. Scott Miller will retire in January 2026, following an accomplished career that covered more than four and a half decades in public service.
Miller first served as East Ridge City Manager in 2016 until his first retirement in November 2018.
He then returned to the position in November 2022 as interim city manager after the departure of the previous city manager, and has officially led the City of East Ridge since January 2023.
Miller’s 45+ years of experience in city management began in 1974 where he had leadership positions in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Georgia and Kansas.
Through his time, he has served as city manager for more than nine cities across the country, responsible for hundreds of employees and managing complex budgets, redevelopment initiatives, and major capital projects.
Miller is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Master of Public Administration.
He is a life member of the international City/County Management Association and is heavily respected for his focus on teamwork, transparency, and long-term planning in local government.
He was particularly recognized for his leadership style and ability to effectively guide the city through periods of transition and opportunity during his tenure in East Ridge.
East Ridge marked his time as city manager with sustained capital investment, infrastructure improvements, and renewed attention to economic and community development.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in working in City Management; most particularly, the years I have served as the City Manager of the City of East Ridge. I have always found the profession to be both a challenging and rewarding one. Continuously working with the elected officials, employees, and the citizens to create and accomplish goals, initiatives, and projects for the betterment of the community.”
– East Ridge City Manager J. Scott Miller
Miller’s leadership has guided many city departments through modernization efforts and opportunities for growth.
The City of East Ridge extends its sincere appreciation to City Manager Miller for his years of guidance, support, and unwavering commitment to the success of the community.
“It has been a true pleasure working with Mr. Miller, first back in 2016 when I was elected as a Council Member, and then again in November of 2022, when he graciously stepped in as Interim City Manager before later transitioning to City Manager. Mr. Miller’s willingness to come out of retirement to assist our City speaks volumes about his deep love for East Ridge and his unwavering commitment to public service. He has been instrumental in leading and guiding major projects for the City, and his steady leadership has made a lasting and positive impact on our community. I wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
– East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams
