(Editor's note: This report has been updated to say that Karen McDonald will become city attorney for Raleigh.)
Fayetteville City Attorney Karen McDonald, who has been in that job since 2002, submitted her letter of resignation to the City Council on Tuesday and has accepted the same job in Raleigh.
McDonald’s resignation is effective Sept. 15, according to a city news release.
She will begin work as Raleigh's city attorney on Sept. 25, according to a news release on that city's website.
Raleigh officials said McDonald was chosen after a nationwide search.
She will serve as legal adviser to Raleigh's mayor and City Council, city staff, and various boards and commissions, as well as lead the office’s professional and administrative staff, the Raleigh statement said.
“Karen McDonald is an exceptionally talented attorney with diverse experience and strong leadership skills,” said Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Corey Branch. “Her talents have served the city of Fayetteville well, and I am grateful that she has chosen the city of Raleigh for her next step.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to serve the city of Raleigh and to provide the legal guidance it needs as it builds on its reputation as one of the best places to live, work, and play,” McDonald said in the Raleigh statement. “I am grateful for the trust of the City Council, and I look forward to this new opportunity.”
Fayetteville tenure
During her tenure in Fayetteville, McDonald has served on several boards and associations, including the N.C. League of Municipalities board and N.C. Municipal Attorneys Association.
“Ms. McDonald’s approach to legal matters was sound, analytical and methodical. She cared for our city in a way that many people will never know,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin.
McDonald has led an office of five lawyers, five paralegals and support staff. As city attorney, she provided legal advice and counsel to the City Council and city employees on important matters, the release said.
“Karen was remarkable in her duties over the past 21 years to the service of our city,” said City Manager Douglas J. Hewett. “Her ability to analyze legal situations to provide the best legal advice to the City Council was remarkable. She was a true leader in the office, taking care of her team and others who she worked around and will truly be missed.”
McDonald was named assistant city attorney in 1995. From 1998 to 2000, she worked as a staff attorney for the Cumberland County Attorney’s office. After a two-year stay in Little Rock, Arkansas, she returned to Fayetteville and was appointed city attorney by the City Council.
“During my 21 years, it has been my sincere honor to serve the city, its citizens and the City Council,” McDonald said in the news release. “Together, we have seen our city grow into a vibrant and prosperous community. We have successfully managed impacts of tornadoes, two major hurricanes, and threats against Fort Liberty as a part of BRAC. Moreover, we have revitalized our downtown with residential developments, restaurants, and a minor league baseball stadium.”
McDonald is the mother of two children, Jalen and Lauren. Jalen is a rising sophomore at Georgia Tech University, and Lauren is a rising high school senior.
McDonald has been married to John McDonald Jr. for more than 23 years. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She earned her bachelor's degree. in English with a minor in biology and her law degree from Wake Forest University, according to Raleigh's statement.
