ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott tells Spectrum News she is retiring and will not be seeking re-election.

Scott has been with City Council since 2009, serving as president since 2014.

In her previous role of commissioner of the department of parks, Scott became the first African-American woman to serve as a department head in the city of Rochester.

She is expected to serve out her term through December 31 of this year.

“2021 will be a year of promise, possibility, and progress. I believe in Rochester, I believe in the future of this City, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the City Council President," Scott said in a statement.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren released a statement on Scott's decision:

"President Loretta Scott has been a trailblazer, and a shining example of a public servant, for her entire career,” said Mayor Warren. “She has been steadfast in her work to lift up all people, particularly our Black and Brown residents, and always believed that a more just world benefits us all. I have been glad to be her colleague and partner, and will always be grateful for her counsel and wisdom. I wish President Scott nothing but the best moving forward and am eager to continue our work together during her final year on City Council."

City Council Vice President Willie Lightfoot also released a statement on Friday:

"President Loretta Scott is a tremendous blessing to this community.  She is a complete pleasure to mentor under and learn from,” said Vice President Lightfoot. “ I truly enjoy her leadership and friendship, and I wish her the best.  I am sure she will continue to amaze us even more as she ends this chapter and begin other chapters of her legacy.  President Scott is a true example of Servant Leadership.”