Don Norrell to delay retirement as The Woodlands general manager due to coronavirus emergency

The Woodlands Township announced March 20 that President and General Manager Don Norrell, who had planned to retire April 30, will remain in his role until June 30.

A news release from the board of directors said Norrell will delay his retirement to assist the township with its response to the developing coronavirus emergency.

“We greatly appreciate President Norrell extending his time with us through this crisis that is happening globally and affecting us here in The Woodlands,” said board of directors Chair Gordy Bunch in a statement. “The Woodlands needs his expertise and guidance, and we are so appreciative of his wife and family making accommodations for him to delay his well-planned and well-deserved retirement.”

The board of directors hired a firm in November to oversee the search for a replacement.

“The township board of directors requested that I extend my retirement date for 60 days due to the current health emergency," Norrell said in a statement. "After discussing with my wife, I indicated to the board that I am willing to change my retirement date to June 30, 2020. I have been blessed to be part of The Woodlands community and the township organization and want to do everything in my ability to assist the community in the months ahead."

As part of his original retirement plan, Norrell had planned to act as a part-time consultant for a year during the transition time to a new general manager. A new manager has not yet been announced by the township.