Richard J. White III, Town Manager, Announces His Resignation.
Elon, NC (May 21, 2019) Richard J. White III has announced his resignation as the Elon Town Manager. He has accepted the Assistant City Manager position in Asheville, NC, his hometown.
On February 24, 2014, he began work as the Elon Town Manager, one week prior to the worst ice storm that Elon had experienced in recent years. Over the past five years, he has worked with the Board of Aldermen and town staff to retool the organization, plan for potential growth and development, provide stellar customer service, and foster partnerships with Elon University, Twin Lakes Community, Alamance County municipalities, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the North Carolina Railroad Company.
Examples of the initiatives that have taken place during his tenure include:
- Developing a Strategic Plan framework
- Implementing policies including Human Resources and Fiscal Policies, Employee Human Resources Policies and Procedures, Purchasing Policy, and Employee Performance and Development Program
- Initiating and obtaining Downtown Associate Community and N.C. Main Street Designations
- Leading transition of volunteer-led fire service to town-managed fire department and improved ISO rating
- Commissioning Staffing Study, Comprehensive Land Use Plan/Land Development Ordinance, Downtown Parking Study, and Recreation and Parks Master Plan
- Managing Code of Ordinance revision and codification
- Upgrading town technology including Elon Connect, Mobile 311, Police body cameras, automated meter reading initiative, town website, and telephone system
- Overseeing completion of capital projects including Beth Schmidt Park Berm, Williamson and Oak Sidewalks, and water, sewer, and stormwater improvements
- Developing Capital Improvement Plan
- Celebrating the town’s 125th Anniversary
In addition to being a member of the International City/County Management Association and the North Carolina City/County Management Association, he has been active in the community by serving on the Alamance Chamber and Healthy Alamance Boards of Directors, as past treasurer of United Way of Alamance County Board of Directors, and former membership co-chair of The Rotary Club of Alamance. Last year, Governor Roy Cooper appointed him to the N.C. Code Officials Qualification Board.
Mayor Jerry Tolley stated, “Mr. Richard White has served our town of Elon as town manager with great distinction for five years. During his tenure, he has proven to be an excellent leader to the board of alderman and the Elon town staff. He has also served our broader community as a member of the Alamance Chamber and the Healthy Alamance boards of directors. While we will miss him both as an outstanding administrator and a special friend, we wish him and his family our very best wishes as he takes on his new responsibilities with the City of Asheville.”
“I am joyful when I reflect on having had the privilege to serve as the Elon Town Manager and the positive and productive experience it has been. With the Board of Aldermen’s leadership, guidance, and support of town staff, we have collectively accomplished many goals over the past five years and have further positioned the Town for even greater prominence in the years ahead. I am excited about the opportunity I now have to serve as the Assistant City Manager in Asheville, my hometown, yet I will always feel connected to this community because Elon is a special place”, said Richard White.
His last day will be July 26th. The Board of Aldermen will announce its plans to fill the position very soon.