Akins, who held the post for one year, said he would be returning to the field of political consulting.
“I will be helping out several of the local races in Floyd County, as I did on the past,” Akins said. “I wish the city the best in its future endeavors.”
Akins was working for the city part-time and doing political consulting on the side before taking the DDA post on a full time basis in August of 2011.
“I decided that it’s best to give the job to someone else who is probably a better fit for Cave Spring,” Akins said.
He said that the city has a grant coming from the Trail of Tears Association for some signage downtown, and he played a role in fundraising for the Welcome Center during his year on the job.
“We saw a really large increase in traffic,” Akins said. “I feel like I left it better than I found it. It’s just time for me to move on.”
Nancy Boehm, chairman of the DDA, said the group would probably name an interim director soon before putting out a formal call for applications to replace Akins.
“We’re right in the heart of our big fundraiser pushes right now. The Cave Spring Pig Out is coming up (Sept. 22), and we’ve got a steak dinner coming up on Labor Day at the community center,” Boehm said.
The DDA’s primary project right now involves making the Welcome Center, 4 Rome Road, handicapped accessible.
“They’re putting a ramp in and working on the bathrooms,” Boehm said.
“We’ve got a lot going on and we’re working on paying for all that. You always run into something and need more money than you thought you did.”
This was a well qualified young man who could have really changed things for Cave Spring, in a good way. He's a very talented and bright young man, and will succeed in whatever he chooses to do!
We are at a loss.
Akins is an innovative, forward-looking young man. He is committed to enabling meaningful participation among government employees and citizens that leads to large-scale, positive change and growth.
And, I unreservedly believe that much success and a rewarding life await him.