Deputy City Manager Cox named as successor to Fitzpatrick

From left, current City Manager Dan Fitzpatrick, his successor Blaine Cox (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER - The city on Tuesday announced that Blaine Cox will be Rchester's next City Manager.
Cox has served the city of Rochester for the last eight years as Deputy City Manager and Director of Finance and Administration, and will succeed current City Manager Dan Fitzpatrick upon his retirement in June.
"Blaine has been a fantastic resource for our community and I have no doubt that he is the right person to continue to guide the city forward," Mayor Caroline McCarley said. "The relationships he's built throughout Rochester will no doubt serve him well and allow him to make an immediate positive impact."

The announcement was made official at Tuesday's City Council meeting.
In his current role, Cox has overseen the city's capital, operating, revenue and capital debt budgets, and coordinated the City Council's budget development process. He's also served as a direct adviser to the City Council and Utility Advisory Board.
"I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to continue my work here in Rochester, and I want to thank Dan Fitzpatrick for giving me the opportunity to be a fully engaged partner throughout his tenure as city manager," Cox said. "I look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council and collaborating with our talented city staff to provide residents with the best possible municipal services."
Cox is one of just 14 International City and County Management Association members in New Hampshire to earn the ICMA's Credentialed Manager designation. He also serves as the treasurer of the Rochester Rotary Club and has worked as an adjunct professor in the education department at his alma mater, the University of New Hampshire.
Prior to joining the City of Rochester, Cox served as the business administrator for the Oyster River Cooperative School District, as the town administrator for the Town of Epping and as the properties manager for UNH.
In his first year, Cox plans to build upon his existing relationships with both city staff and members of the community. He will assume his new role on July 1.