Monday brought with it a reshuffling of duties at Vicksburg City Hall as a new assistant city attorney was sworn in, while City Attorney Kimberly Walker-Nailor turned in her resignation just hours later.

Nailor said Tuesday the two events were not related, adding she feels new Assistant City Attorney Lee Thames Jr. will bridge the gap well when she officially steps down April 19.

“I am beyond ecstatic that attorney Lee Davis Thames Jr. will serve as interim city attorney,” Nailor said. “He has a wealth of knowledge and previously served in this position.”

Thames was sworn into office during Monday’s regular meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said he was “thrilled” to welcome Thames back into the fold as part of his second stint with the city’s legal team.

“With attorney Thames’ past employment with the City of Vicksburg, he brings extensive legal background and dedication to public service,” Flaggs said. “We are confident he will be an invaluable asset to our city, and we are eager to see him apply his skills and knowledge to benefit our community.”

Flaggs said he received Nailor’s resignation later in the day Monday and thanked her for years of service to the city.

“Attorney Nailor has played an integral role in guiding our city through various legal matters, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and advocating for the best interests of our residents,” he said. “As she moves on to new endeavors, we express our deepest appreciation for her contributions and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.”

Nailor said Tuesday she enjoyed her years with the City of Vicksburg, but felt it was time to shift her focus to other matters.

“I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my beloved city as city attorney/former city prosecutor for the past four years,” Nailor said. “It is bittersweet to announce that I am resigning from my position. During my tenure, I strived to be responsive, attentive and thorough in providing legal solutions to the complex issues faced in city hall. I navigated the city through complex litigations and drafted legislation like the Medical Marijuana Ordinance, at the direction of the board and mayor, to ensure that the best interests of the city were protected. ”

Nailor also thanked both city officials and her family for their support throughout the duration of her time in city hall.

“In addition to serving as city attorney, I served as interim human resources director while providing legal services to the Civil Service Commission, Public Transportation Board and Zoning Board of Appeals,” she said. “It would be remiss of me to not thank Mayor Flaggs, former Ward 1 Alderman Michael A. Mayfield Sr. and Ward 2 Alderman Alex J. Monsour Jr. for allowing me to serve as city attorney. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to forge close relationships with the board, city employees and appointed members of the different commissions and boards. I also want to thank my family, especially my sons Cameron and Brandon, for their continued support.”

Flaggs said the city will now begin its search for a new, full-time city attorney.

“The role of city attorney is critical in providing legal guidance, expertise, and representation to ensure the effective governance of our city,” Flaggs said. “We are seeking an individual with a strong legal background, demonstrated experience in municipal law, and a commitment to serving the public interest. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to navigate complex legal issues.”

Flaggs said Thames will continue to train under Nailor through her April 19 resignation date, but said he encourages qualified candidates to apply for the role. Flaggs said the city’s human resources department will be releasing more information about the position in the coming days.