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The mayor of Glenville has resigned to become the executive director of a state development agency.
Mark Sarver, a professor in the College of Business at Glenville State University, submitted his resignation on July 31 and announced he will become the executive director of the West Virginia Water Development Authority.
He was elected mayor in 2024.
"Serving as your mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life," he said in a Facebook post. "Together, we faced challenges, celebrated successes and worked to lay a foundation for Glenville’s future."
The Water Development Authority aids cities, public service districts and other government subdivisions with financing to build water and sewer systems and to protect streams and public health, improve drinking water quality and encourage economic growth.
"Although my role is changing, my commitment to Glenville is not," Sarver said. "As executive director of the West Virginia Water Development Authority, I will continue working every day to strengthen communities across our state, and Glenville will always hold a special place in my heart."
The city of Glenville has posted a notice for applications for the vacancy.
Letters of intent and resumes are to be sent to the city recorder or the city clerk by the end of the business day on Aug. 28. The city also required the physical address and party affiliation of the applicant.
Offices are non-partisan.
Applicants were advised to be prepared to speak at the council meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 and to be interviewed after the meeting. A special meeting will be held on Sept 14 when a new mayor may be chosen.
Sarver cited infrastructure improvements, community development projects, public safety initiatives and new growth opportunities.
"…every accomplishment has been the result of dedicated employees, committed council members, volunteers, community partners, and citizens who believe in this remarkable community," he said. "When I accepted the role as mayor, I believed Glenville’s best days were still ahead. Today, I believe that even more strongly."
Much remains to be done, but the city has momentum, Sarver said.
"We have built partnerships, developed a vision, and positioned Glenville for opportunities that only a few years ago seemed out of reach," he said. "My hope is that the next mayor and city council will continue building on that foundation, because the future of Glenville has never been brighter."