10/08/2026
Join us in welcoming Isaiah Thomas as Damascus town manager!
For Isaiah Thomas, this opportunity is especially meaningful because of his deep roots in Washington County and personal connection to Damascus. He grew up in the area, attended Rhea Valley Elementary, Damascus Middle, and Holston High Schools, and later earned degrees from Virginia Highlands Community College and East Tennessee State University. Today, he lives with his wife and two children on his family farm in Washington County, continuing a connection to the land and community that has shaped much of his life.
Most recently, Thomas served as the Economic Development Specialist for the Town of Abingdon, where he worked in business development, infrastructure, housing, grant administration, and regional partnerships. Before entering local government, he spent seven years in private industry throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
“Damascus has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so having the opportunity to come home and serve this community means a great deal to me,” said Thomas. “My family and I are proud to call this area home, and I am excited to work alongside the Town Council, our staff, residents, businesses, and community partners as we continue moving Damascus forward.”
Mayor Katie Lamb says, "We are super excited to have Isaiah as our new Town Manager. I feel that his love for Damascus really shines through. He was right here with us before, during, and after Helene. He knows where we have been, where we need to be, and he is willing to put in the work to get us there. Many thanks to Chris Bell! He has been a rockstar throughout his time with us. We will continue to move forward, and Isaiah will be a tremendous asset."
