Roanoke Council Names Former Portsmouth City Manager As Interim After Cowell's Departure

Henri Gendreau -
Lydia Pettis Patton, a former Portsmouth city manager, will succeed Bob Cowell in an interim capacity, Roanoke leaders announced Tuesday. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU FOR THE ROANOKE RAMBLER

Former Portsmouth city manager Lydia Pettis Patton will succeed Bob Cowell in an interim capacity, Roanoke leaders announced Tuesday.

City Council voted to appoint Patton to a four-month position following Cowell’s resignation amid claims of a toxic workplace environment at city hall.