MURFREESBORO – Cathy Davison is going home…well, sort of.

Davison, who has served as Murfreesboro’s Town Administrator since July of 2007, accepted an offer from Steubenville, Ohio officials to become their next City Manager.

Her new job is scheduled to begin March 15.

“(Steubenville) is only five hours from my hometown in Michigan compared to 16 hours from Murfreesboro,” Davison said. “That helped me with my decision to seek the job in Steubenville. It’s closer to my family, my husband’s (Jim) family, all in Michigan. My parents and Jim’s parents are not getting any younger. This puts us a lot closer to them.”

The offer was also tough for Davison to turned down professionally.

“I’m excited about this opportunity; it’s a chance for me to grow within my management career,” she said. “I loved what we were able to accomplish in Murfreesboro in only three short years. It’s been a wonderful learning experience here. I worked with an excellent town council, a cohesive group that really bonded together to make decisions to move this town forward. And I was able to work with a town staff that I feel is second to none. Their loyalty and hard work is greatly appreciated.”

Davison was offered the job on Saturday after spending Thursday touring the town and Friday in interviews with Steubenville officials.

“I called my council members here on Monday morning to let them know what was going on with me,” Davison said. “Council directed me to move immediately on helping to find my replacement. I’ve already contacted the (North Carolina) League of Municipalities for a list of potential candidates. I will not leave this town high and dry…I’m not that kind of person.”

Even though home beckons, Davison said she will miss the friends she has gained in Murfreesboro.

“This is such a great community, one that we wish all the best in the future,” she concluded. “Please stop by and visit with us before we leave on February 26.”

Steubenville (population 19,000) is located on the banks of the Ohio River, one-half hour west of Pittsburgh and north of Wheeling, West Va.

Davison accepted a three-year performance-based contract that pays $90,000 annually. She will oversee a city with 218 employees and an annual operating budget of $34 million.

In Steubenville, she replaces Bruce Williams who retired Jan. 8 after two different terms as city manager.