After City Manager Harold Owen’s July 22nd announcement of his plans to retire, effective September 1, 2015, the Burlington City Council is now preparing for the future of the City Manager’s office.
At the August 18th Burlington City Council meeting, it was determined that the City Council would enter into a contract with Developmental Associates LLC to manage the recruitment and assessment of candidates for the position of City Manager. The City Council will meet with Steve Straus, president and founder of Developmental Associates LLC, during its work session meeting on August 31st to finalize a timeline for the process of selecting Burlington’s next City Manager.
The City Council also voted during this meeting, to appoint an interim City Manager to serve the search for a permanent City Manager is being conducted. After a brief closed session meeting, the Council announced the selection of Administrative Services Director, Frank Hope, would serve as interim City Manager, beginning September 1st.
Mr. Hope, a graduate of East Carolina University and a life-long Burlingtonian, has been employed with the City since 1988, when he began work in the Customer Service Department. He then held the position of Tax Collector and Customer Service Manager for 14 years before being promoted to Administrative Services Director in 2004.
“The City Council and I feel confident that Frank’s depth of knowledge and his strong leadership ability will help guide the City and its staff through this time of transition as we search for the next City Manager. We also feel very confident that Steve Straus and his team will help this Council to select the best possible Manager for the City of Burlington,” said Mayor Ronnie K. Wall.
Mr. Hope has stated that he will not be applying for a permanent post as City Manager and intends to bridge the gap for City Council as they search for Harold Owen’s permanent successor.
“I am honored to fill in as Council moves forth in selecting Burlington’s next City Manager. This City has a long history of great Managers including J.D. Mackintosh, Buddy Baker, and Harold Owen and I’m humbled to step into this role as the City’s next great manager is identified,” commented Frank Hope of his appointment as interim Manager.