City of Natchez fires IT director

Published 12:03 am Thursday, January 26, 2017

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday to fire its information technology director for an unspecified violation of city policy.

The board voted to terminate IT director Ed Bowser identifying him only during Tuesday’s meeting by his employee identification number.

Email newsletter signup

Mayor Darryl Grennell confirmed Wednesday that Bowser’s employment had been terminated.

Grennell said he suspended Bowser last week for reportedly violating city policy, and the board voted to fire Bowser based on Grennell’s recommendation.

Grennell declined to specify the reason for Bowser’s termination or the policy Bowser reportedly violated.

Bowser was hired in 2013 during former Mayor Butch Brown’s administration along with Assistant IT Director Bridget Chappell.

Grennell said Chappell has been appointed interim IT director in the absence of a director.

Grennell said he is confident that the city’s IT needs would be covered with Chappell serving as interim director until a full-time director is hired.

The city, Grennell said, will soon begin advertising for a permanent director.

Bowser declined to comment on his termination Wednesday, saying only that he has “enjoyed working … for the citizens of Natchez.”