Brentwood Commissioner Susannah Macmillan Abruptly Resigns

Brentwood Commissioner Susannah Macmillan abruptly resigned from the Board of Commissioners Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after two new commissioners, Janet Donahue and Kim Smithson Gawrys, were sworn into office.

According to Brentwood Community Relations Director Charles Booth, Macmillan emailed City Manager Jason Gage at 12:47 p.m. She sent out the resignation announcement to community members who were on her email newsletter list at 2:13 p.m. Read the full email at the bottom of this story.

Booth told the Williamson Scene that the city commission can either appoint a commissioner or request the county to hold a special election, options that they will “likely discuss” at the next commission briefing on Thursday.

If the commission chooses to hold a special election, per the city’s charter, that election would have to be held “more than 75 days but less than 120 days” from when the city notifies the election commission about its desire to seek a special election.

“I’ll work to facilitate whatever decision the commission makes regarding this vacancy,” Gage told the Williamson Scene in an email.

At the time of publishing, now-former commissioner Macmillan had not returned a request for comment from the Williamson Scene. Macmillan was first elected in 2019 and was serving in her second term which was set to expire in May 2027.

“I want to thank Commissioner Macmillan for her service because anyone who has the courage to run for commission and serves up there does deserve a thank you,” Vice Mayor Rhea Little said in a phone call, adding that he was “surprised” by the resignation.

Commissioner Ken Travis said he truly appreciated what Macmillan has done for the city and will miss her active participation in the commission.

“She was very committed to serving the citizens of Brentwood and played a vital role in shaping the Brentwood community,” Travis said. “Her dedication was evident in her work with both the Library Board and the Parks Board, where she contributed to several major projects,” Travis said in an email. “She actively participated in all budget meetings, analyzing data before a meeting and commenting about the budget during the process. Susannah actively worked alongside the entire City Commission in securing the property for Windy Hill Park and guiding its planning, ensuring a lasting legacy for the city she loved.”

Commissioner Donahue said in an email that she was “absolutely” surprised by Macmillan’s resignation, and noted their interactions as both worked on city volunteer boards.

“From that limited interaction, I perceived she was someone who was environmentally aware and was engaged in promoting environmental stewardship in Brentwood,” Donahue said. “Observing her at the city commission meetings over the past few months, I appreciated the reports she brought from the library board and her enthusiasm for their projects. I did not get the chance to interact with her for more than one briefing and one meeting, but I thought we would be able to work together on most issues for the good of the city.”

Commissioner Anne Dunn simply told the Williamson Scene, "I am surprised."

The Williamson Scene has reached out to all of the city commissioners for comment, and will update this story as they become available.

Macmillan’s resignation email reads in full:

Dear City Manager Jason Gage and the City of Brentwood,

Having reflected upon the results of the election on May 6, 2025, it is evident to me that the people of Brentwood have made a clear choice for our community. It is no secret that I supported the candidates who did not prevail. Nonetheless, I congratulate Mr. Little on his re-election and Ms. Donahue and Ms. Gawrys for their election to the Commission.

This election crystallized a deep division in our community and on our City Commission. But this election was only a reflection of some long-standing conflicts. Four years ago, it took us many, many rounds of voting among ourselves just to name a mayor. This rift has not gotten better over time. Recent complaints from well-meaning citizens, internal disputes over funding public amenities, and other points of contention have become a distraction to the work at hand.

So, with the results of last Tuesday’s election in mind, and given the history of conflict on this Commission, I have decided that the newly elected and re-elected members of this Commission deserve the chance to govern without this acrimony and conflict. They should have an atmosphere of consensus. Therefore, with a clean conscience and for the good of our community, I am tendering my resignation from the Brentwood City Commission, effective immediately.

To our Brentwood city staff, thank you for all you do to serve the residents of Brentwood. To my supporters and those who are disappointed with last Tuesday’s Election results, I encourage you to stay aware and engaged. You will need to watch the Thursday briefings online and attend the Monday night meetings in person and speak during public comments. You still have a voice in Brentwood.

It has been my great honor to serve Brentwood and its residents for the last six years. I will be forever grateful to the people who trusted me with this responsibility, but for the greater good it is time for me to move on and allow someone else this privilege.

Sincerely,

Susannah Macmillan

Brentwood City Commissioner