By Justin Averette

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Cynthia Mitchell’s last day as Selma City treasurer may be Monday, but you will still see her around.

Mitchell will retire from her post after 11 years with the city but said she will be back to visit her coworkers.

“I actually gained a lot of friendships. This won’t be the last time they see me,” Mitchell said. “This has been my life for 11 years.”

In retirement, Mitchell plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and mother, for whom she is a caregiver.

Mitchell’s coworkers and other community members recognized her work during a reception Wednesday at the Selma Convention Center.

“The treasurer’s office is the lifeline of the city. She has seen us through a lot of changes,” Ward 2 Selma City Council member Susan Keith said.

Mitchell has worked under mayors George Evans and James Perkins Jr. In addition to the transition between administrations, she also saw the city finances through budget cuts and the death of city council president Dr. Geraldine Allen.

“She really helped carry us through some confusion and crises,” Keith said.

Ronita Wade will be the new city treasurer. She started Sept. 2. A native of Selma, she comes back home after working for the city of Atlanta.

“So far it’s been good. I’m getting acclimated to everything,” Wade said.