Braselton Enters a Period of Transition

By: Dana Horne

The Town of Braselton is preparing for a leadership transition following a vote by the town council on Friday, Jan. 16, to place longtime town manager Jennifer Scott on paid administrative leave, effective immediately. The decision was made following a brief closed session, with Scott present at the called meeting.

 

Council members also voted to appoint Chuck Button as interim town manager, effective immediately, until a permanent town manager is selected or further action is taken by the council. In addition, Mayor Kurt Ward was authorized to negotiate the terms and conditions of the separation between the town and Scott.

 

Scott, who has served the Town of Braselton for 28 years, was hired in 1997 and worked under four mayors, making her the town’s longest-tenured employee. The council did not publicly state a reason for placing her on administrative leave prior to the vote.

 

Following the meeting, Mayor Ward addressed the decision.

 

“I think what the council is prepared to say is we’ve enjoyed Jennifer as a city or town manager for many, many years, and she’s done many great things,” Ward said. “At this point, we’re ready to move forward in a different direction.”

 

He did not indicate whether the decision was performance-based.

 

Button, the newly appointed interim manager, previously served as a city manager in Gwinnett County, according to Ward.

 

Scott issued a statement following the council’s action, calling her service to Braselton “the greatest professional honor” of her life.

“While I am naturally disappointed by the Town Council’s decision to move in a new direction, I depart with a profound sense of pride in what we have collectively built since I first stepped into Town Hall in 1997,” Scott said.

 

She reflected on the town’s transformation over the past quarter-century, noting the challenge of balancing rapid growth with the small-town values that define Braselton. Scott cited several projects she is most proud of, including the development of the town green, long-term infrastructure planning, historic preservation efforts, community vitality initiatives, and fiscal stewardship.

 

She also expressed deep gratitude for the town staff she worked alongside.

 

“To the town staff, you are the unsung heroes,” Scott said. “Thank you for your dedication, your late nights, and your unwavering commitment to our residents.”

 

Scott acknowledged that the move was unexpected but said her commitment to Braselton remains strong.

 

“While this chapter is ending unexpectedly, my commitment to the success of Braselton remains,” she said. “I look forward to my next chapter of service to the profession of municipal management.”

 

As a resident of Braselton for more than 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the town’s growth and evolution firsthand – all of it during Jennifer Scott’s tenure. Several years ago, I participated in the Braselton Citizen Academy led by Scott, which offered residents a behind-the-scenes look at how the town operates. It was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for the professionalism, transparency, and dedication of the town staff, and it left me feeling confident that Braselton was in capable hands.

 

As Braselton enters a period of transition under interim leadership, many residents are reflecting on the strong foundation built over the past decades. While change is a natural part of any growing community and never simple after years of steady leadership, there is no denying the lasting impact of the progress, professionalism, and stability established during Jennifer Scott’s tenure.

As residents, we share a commitment to preserving Braselton’s character and remain hopeful that future planning will be thoughtful and centered on what best serves the community.  For the strong foundation already in place, we thank Jennifer Scott for her years of dedicated service to our town.

 

Hello Braselton will continue to follow this story and hopefully can keep residents informed as the next chapter unfolds.