Longtime New Rochelle City Manager Announces Retirement

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle City Manager Charles Strome is riding into the sunset after a career of service in his adopted hometown.

Strome announced his retirement to the New Rochelle City Council at the March 8, meeting. The longtime city manager said he will remain at his post until December 31.

City officials said a nationwide search is planned for his replacement.

Strome began his career with the City of New Rochelle in 1989 as Director of Emergency Services. In 1992, he was named the Assistant City Manager. He was appointed Deputy City Manager in 1995, Acting City Manager in April 2002 and then City Manager in November 2002.

“It has been my honor to serve the City of New Rochelle for the past 33 years, including 20 years as City Manager," Strome told city council members on Tuesday. "I would like to thank all the hard-working city staff I have worked with and the various elected officials who have served with me. New Rochelle has always been a great place to live, work and raise a family. I am confident that the city government is in great shape and the current staff is more than ready to lead the city into the future."

Strome helped lead the city through economic challenges, including a recurring state tax cap, the financial collapse of 2008 and most recently, the global pandemic.

During his tenure, he was able to maintain a secure financial footing when other municipalities in the region suffered serious budget shortfalls. Most recently, Strome helped the city earn an upgraded bond rating. He has also negotiated multi-year contracts with the city’s seven labor unions.

"Across decades of public service, Chuck has shaped and led a City Administration characterized by integrity, civility, and kindness, while also tackling some of the most consequential challenges and intense crises in our City's history," Mayor Noam Bramson said. "He will leave office with an unparalleled record of accomplishment and with a legacy of achievement sure to endure for many years, as well as the respect and affection of countless colleagues, and the bipartisan trust of multiple City Councils. I know I speak for all of us in saying it has been a personal privilege to work at Chuck's side, to observe firsthand his deep commitment to the welfare of our community, and to benefit from his wide-ranging experience, straightforward candor, and calm demeanor. I am proud to call Chuck a friend and wish him success and joy in the next chapter of his life."

Strome worked with officials, staff and community partners to coordinate the City’s response to local natural disasters, including Superstorm Sandy, Nor’easters and floods. Most recently he led the city from the very start of a global pandemic, when the eyes of the world were on New Rochelle.

He is credited with helping to ensure that critical services to residents and those most in need were delivered through innovative programs like Nourishall and NewRoStrong.

While economic conditions hindered growth in the first decades of 2000, downtown revitalization and development efforts marked Strome's latest years, with the passage of a Downtown Overlay Zone that attracted over $2.2 billion of new investment.

The city’s infrastructure also received needed improvements under his watch, including expanded paving programs, stormwater enhancements, equipment upgrades and master plans for city parks. Plans for new maintenance facilities for Parks and Public Works crews and a redeveloped waterfront are seen as a part of his lasting legacy.