From staff reports
Assistant City Manager John “JJ” Sauve has been promoted to the position of Deputy City Manager, effective Jan. 11, 2025, according to a news release from the City of Beaufort.
In addition to playing a larger role in the city’s communications strategies, Sauve will continue to oversee the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Information Technology (IT), Geographic Information Services (GIS), Municipal Court, and Internal Policies and Programs.
In addition to overseeing external communications, much of Sauve’s focus as Deputy City Manager will be on continuing to improve and define internal programs and processes. These responsibilities include oversight of the new capital improvements planning process, development of a fiscal controls manual, completion of a new employee handbook, comprehensive review of existing ordinances with the City Attorney, formalization of operating agreements with strategic partner organizations, implementation of a safe and dry program to assist citizens with essential home repairs, development of annual plans of work with SMART objectives for each department, and development of key performance indicators (KPIs) for day-to-day City operations.
Sauve assumed his duties as Assistant City Manager when he was hired in January 2024 and has significantly impacted city operations. He organized the city’s capital projects into a unified Capital Improvements Program (CIP), including forming an internal CIP Team consisting of multiple department representatives involved in CIP projects, and hiring a full-time CIP Director.
He also developed and implemented the City’s first internal project management system with a public interface and portal for Capital Projects. He oversaw the re-scoping of the King Street Stormwater Project with significant community input and coordination with project engineers as well as the development of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and roll-out of Phase I of the public GIS interface portal. Additionally, he developed and implemented the City Council Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual and oversaw the completion of the City’s first Housing Impact Analysis, which was recommended by the Planning Commission and adopted by City Council as part of the Comprehensive Plan.
“Over the last year, JJ’s talent and administrative acumen have been essential to the City’s continued success. His infectious leadership enables others to thrive professionally, and he has my full faith and confidence. We are definitely better with him here.” City Manager Scott Marshall said in the news release.
Prior to his position as the Assistant City Manager, Sauve served 20 years in public service in western North Carolina in various roles in public safety, emergency services, forestry, and the judicial system. Since 2019, he has also represented multiple public and non-profit entities as an attorney and advisor in strategic planning, public information and community engagement, human resources, risk management, and a wide array of legal matters.
Sauve graduated with an MPA from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and JD from Charlotte School of Law, and he is currently completing the S.C. Local Government Leadership Institute through the College of Charleston and Francis Marion University in partnership with the S.C. City and County Manager’s Association.
“We face some major challenges here in Beaufort, and I’m proud to be a part of this team and community forging ahead as we work to resolve them in a way that preserves Beaufort’s charm and history while ensuring resiliency for generations to come,” Sauve said in the news release. “I’m looking forward to working extensively with staff and the public in ensuring that the City of Beaufort is a results-oriented government providing the best possible municipal services to our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
