After nearly three decades of dedicated service to the city of Oxford, Chief Operating Officer Bart Robinson is retiring, leaving behind a legacy that spans four mayors, 23 aldermen, and countless city projects.

His influence will continue to shape Oxford for years to come.

Hollis Green, currently the director of Development Services, has been named the city’s new COO and will take over for Robinson on Jan. 1, 2025.

Robinson began his career with the city on May 26, 1998, serving in roles including Public Works director, city engineer and assistant city engineer before becoming COO. Under his leadership, Oxford saw transformational growth, expanding from 10.7 square miles to 27.5 square miles, and its population more than doubled to over 28,000.

“I love Oxford,” Robinson told the Eagle. “Working for Oxford and serving the citizens has been both challenging and rewarding. Through seven administrations and four Mayors, I have witnessed elected officials unselfishly doing what they think is best for Oxford. Mayor Tannehill and the current administration is no different.The administrations thoughtfully and diligently do what they think is best for Oxford.”

Mayor Robyn Tannehill wore a black, lace veil at Robinson’s retirement ceremony Wednesday.

“I’m in mourning,” she said with a sad smile.

Tannehill highlighted Robinson’s immense contributions during the ceremony at the Oxford Conference Center.

“Bart’s fingerprints are on every inch of the 27.5 square miles that make up the city of Oxford,” she said. “He’s overseen countless projects, from city parks to fire stations, water systems, and even this very conference center. More importantly, he’s mentored, guided, and loved the employees of the city of Oxford. His leadership cannot be measured.”

The Mayor also brought humor to the farewell, presenting Robinson with a symbolic “red phone” to ensure his continued guidance during emergencies.

“Bart, when this phone rings, you have to answer,” she joked. “We’re creating an MOU, just like the U.S. and Soviet Union, so we can call you in to avoid disaster.”

Tannehill announced that the city will be naming the future municipal complex which will be in the former Oxford Police Department, to the Bart Robinson Municipal Complex.

Tannehill wasn’t the only speaker to evoke a few chuckles.

Former alderman and current Lafayette County Supervisor John Morgan read a poem he wrote for Robinson as his way of thanking him for his many years of service to Oxford.

“From Howell (The Ulysses “Coach” Howell Activity Center,) to Lamar Park and John Leslie courts. He managed them all, and even the nonsports. Pat Patterson extension and the parking garage he even did mTrade during all this montage. Don’t forget the new police station and the fire stations to boot. I still don’t know where the city coffers ever found all this loot.”

Robinson thanked his colleagues, calling them “the city’s single most valuable asset.” He thanked his family for their support.

“Oxford, I hope I served you well. Oxford, I hope you are better now than when I got here, and thank you for a long and rewarding career,” he said.

Green, who joined the city in 2009, expressed both excitement and respect for the responsibility ahead.

“If I can bring half the expertise and leadership that Bart has, I’ll consider it a success,” Green told the Eagle before the ceremony. “He’s set a high bar, but I’ll strive to maintain that level. The staff here is incredible—my role is to support them, let them do their thing, and step in when needed.”