ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville Finance and Management Services Director Tony McDowell will retire at the end of the year after 28 years with the city.

McDowell plans to retire Dec. 31, the city announced Thursday. He will remain on the job through the end of the year to oversee year-end financial responsibilities and help with the transition to a new finance director.

During his nearly three decades with Asheville, McDowell has helped oversee the city’s annual budget and audit processes and its financing of major capital projects.

His tenure included some of the city’s most challenging financial periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. McDowell also played a role in developing the financing plans behind Asheville’s 2016 and 2024 general obligation bond programs.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve the City of Asheville for nearly 30 years,” McDowell said in a news release. “I am proud of the work our Finance and Management Services team has accomplished and especially grateful for the people I have had the opportunity to work with along the way.”

McDowell received the A. John “Jack” Vogt Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024, an honor recognizing contributions to local government budgeting and evaluation in North Carolina.

City Manager DK Wesley, who has worked directly with McDowell for about eight months, credited him with helping the city navigate a difficult budget process.

“We navigated an exceptionally challenging budget process together, and throughout it, he demonstrated true partnership and commitment to doing what is best for our organization and the community we serve,” Wesley said.

The city said it plans to conduct a competitive search for McDowell’s replacement, with details expected to be announced soon.