Tangela Innis becomes deputy city manager after 9 years in Petersburg

PETERSBURG - Tangela Innis has been promoted to Petersburg's deputy city manager position after working in the city for the past nine years.

Most recently, Innis has served as Petersburg's director of Public Works and Utilities - one of the largest departments in the city. She was also an operations manager and purchasing agent for Petersburg in the preceding five years. 

"I look forward to assisting the city manager by overseeing the day-to-day operations of Petersburg,” said Innis. “My executive leadership responsibilities in local government have given me the hands-on experience needed to help advance Petersburg services that improve quality of life and create an inviting environment for all.”

Petersburg previously had two deputies overseeing community affairs and development  - Darnetta Tyus and Lionel Lyons, respectively - who both left the city shortly before City Manager Stuart Turille Jr. started on July 1, 2021. Innis is one of the first major hires of his tenure.

"Throughout the competitive recruitment process, Ms. Innis demonstrated strong innovative leadership, professionalism and dedication to Petersburg,” said Turille. “Her many years in Petersburg government are essential in continuing to build and sustain a high performing team that will forward Petersburg’s commitment to provide quality service to citizens, business, and visitors.”

Petersburg said that Innis was hired from a pool where more than 30 applicants vied for the position.

Innis earned her bachelor of liberal arts with a minor in psychology from The College of New Rochelle and a master of business administration degree from Strayer University. She and her husband, Rafael, have five adult children and several grandchildren.

You can reach Sean Jones at sjones@progress-index.com. Follow him at @SeanJones_PI. Follow The Progress-Index on Twitter at @ProgressIndex.