PITTSBORO — Chris Kennedy, the assistant town manager of Southern Pines in Moore County, was named Pittsboro’s town manager Thursday evening.
The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to hire Kennedy to oversee the administration of town government at a meeting at town hall. He comes to the role as a permanent replacement for former Town Manager Bryan Gruesbeck, who resigned in late January at the request of the town board.
Gruesbeck had been in the position since late 2012; interim Town Manager Robert Morgan has been serving in the post since early February.
Kennedy, who was raised in Asheboro, graduated from Southwest Randolph High School and then Davidson College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Fine Art. He later attended Auburn University in Alabama, earning master's degrees in both Community Planning and Public Administration.
He began his career in planning, eventually running the planning department before assuming the assistant town manager post in Southern Pines, which has a population of about 10,000.
Commissioner Micheal Fiocco described Kennedy as an “engaging individual” with a “very good skillset.” Fiocco also noted that his experience in planning will make him a “nice asset” for the town as it continues to grow with Chatham Park, the 7,000-acre planned community under development in Pittsboro.
Through a series of reviews of qualifications and interviews with various commissioners, the board determined Kennedy would be the best choice for moving the town forward.
Pittsboro Mayor Jim Nass called it the “most strenuous process I've had the occasion to be associated,” adding “the board worked tirelessly.”
“They devoted full time and attention to this process,” Nass said. “I salute each and every one of these commissioners on behalf of the town of Pittsboro.”
Commissioner Jay Farrell told Kennedy that his hiring represented “an exciting day” for the town.
“It's a new start for you and for Pittsboro,” Farrell said. “We're very happy to have you here.”
Following the appointment, Kennedy was sworn in as his wife, Emily held a family Bible. Kennedy's parents, Dale and Debbie Kennedy of Asheboro, were by his side.
“I am very excited about the opportunity and I'm honored to be your town manager,” Kennedy said. “I can't wait to serve you all and the community of Pittsboro.”