(COLUMBIA, MO) - After 13 years as the head of the City of Columbia Law Department, City Counselor Nancy Thompson has announced plans to retire on Oct. 14. Thompson has been representing Missouri municipalities for more than 40 years.

"We wish Nancy and her family our absolute best," Mayor Barbara Buffaloe said. "She has served this community with dedication and guided numerous city councils through a variety of challenges in her 13 years."

As the head of the Law Department, Thompson is charged with providing legal advice and service to the City Council, city manager, department heads and boards and commissions. Her legal representation has a broad scope, covering lawsuits to complex business transactions to legislation. The position reports directly to City Manager De'Carlon Seewood and is appointed by him with the consent of the council.

Thompson said she is retiring to devote more time to her family and will consider other opportunities after taking a break from service.

"I will miss my colleagues at the city dearly, but I look forward to having more time with my husband, Randall, and our children and grandchildren," Thompson said. "The City of Columbia is an incredible community and I have been fortunate to have played a small role in its growth and progress over the last decade. I will treasure that as I watch what is accomplished in the future."

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"Nancy has provided excellent counsel through challenging periods in our history," Seewood said. "During my tenure at the city, I have consistently relied on her counsel. She has the best interests of the city in mind and has strived to help make Columbia the best place for its residents."

Thompson has served as city counselor since 2013, and currently directs a legal team of 10 attorneys and 11 additional staff members. In her position, Thompson guided the city through the pandemic, was instrumental in obtaining a $17 million settlement on underpayment of business license taxes, implemented critical citywide training programs, prioritized the importance of customer service and increased productivity through attorney specialization and greater use of technology.

She recently completed nine years of service on the board of directors for the International Municipal Lawyers Association and is a recipient of the Lou Czech Award presented by the Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association to recognize high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in the practice of municipal law.

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