Mr. Steven Harrell's appointment is effective January 3, 2022. Harrell has over 38 years of experience in municipal government and retired in October 2020 after having served as city manager in Ayden, North Carolina, a town in Pitt County with a population of about 5,000.
He most recently served as interim town manager for Robersonville earlier this year. Harrell received a Bachelor’s of Science in political science from Western Carolina University and a Master’s of public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
During his career he has served as planning and development director, community development manager and city manager in a few other municipalities in eastern North Carolina. Harrell was presented to council for consideration as a recommendation from the North Carolina League of Municipalities. City Council met with him and were impressed by his experience and are excited to have him serve as the interim city manager while they work with an executive search firm to conduct a nationwide search for the next city manager, according to the release.
“We are confident that Steve’s experience in local government will provide strong leadership to keep the city moving forward, while we recruit for a permanent city manager,” said Copelof.
City Council will approve Harrell’s appointment and contract at its Dec. 20 meeting. His contract term is for the period of Jan. 3 to June 1, 2022, unless terminated earlier, including when the city hires a permanent city manager.