THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 29, 1994 TAG: 9412230260
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: VICKI LEWIS
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Ronald W. Massie, who has been an assistant city manager for Norfolk for 22 years, is retiring at the end of this month.
Joining the city as an urban planner in 1970, Massie was appointed an assistant city manager two years later.
A key figure in downtown redevelopment, Massie was involved in the negotiations that resulted in construction of the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.
He also has served as the liaison with the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Massie says his biggest satisfaction has been seeing the city develop and improve, including the opening of new offices downtown and such projects as Waterside and Town Point Park.
Sterling B. Cheatham, who now serves as director of finance, will take Massie's place as an assistant city manager.
Name: Ronald W. Massie.
Nickname: Ron.
What brought you to Norfolk: Professional opportunity to work with an exciting, impressive city.
Birthplace: A small town on the Ohio River, Ironton, Ohio.
Birthdate: Sept. 7, 1938.
Occupation: Until Dec. 31, assistant city manager of Norfolk, as of Jan. 1, president of REM Consulting.
Marital status: Married to the former Eileen Knight for 34 years.
Children: Son Wayne, age 26, daughter Donna, age 21. Both live in Denver.
Last book read: David McCollough's biography of Truman.
Favorite movie: ``Glory.''
Favorite magazine: American Heritage.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Pro golfer Greg Norman - to play world-class golf for one day.
Biggest accomplishment: Working with Norfolk's leadership on plans for downtown.
Most embarrassing moment: Crashing a go-cart while teaching my son to drive it.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be able to grow a mustache that is not snow white.
Perfect way to spend the day: On the golf course in the mountains.
Favorite vacation spot: Santa Fe, N.M.
Pet peeve: Voice mail systems.
First job: Paper boy.
Worst job: Bus boy.
Hobbies: Golf, reading.
Favorite restaurant: Toss up between Ship's Cabin and Antiquities.
What do you like most about Norfolk? Sense of community and quality of life.
What do you like least about Norfolk? 100 percent humidity in July. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by BETH BERGMAN
by CNB