Oak Island has selected Katherine Cathey as its next town manager following a unanimous vote by the Town Council during a special meeting on July 23.
The appointment is effective Sept. 28, according to a news release from the town. Cathey currently serves as county manager for Person County and brings more than 20 years of experience in county and municipal government administration.
Cathey oversees county operations in Person County and works with elected officials, staff and community partners. Before becoming county manager, she served as assistant county manager for Person County. Earlier in her career, she held human resources and budgeting roles with the Town of Hillsborough and Orange County.
Cathey holds a Master of Public Administration
from North Carolina State University and a bachelor's degree in public policy studies from Duke University. She is also an ICMA Credentialed Manager and has served in professional, civic and nonprofit leadership roles throughout North Carolina.
Residents can view the Town Council meeting at youtube.com.
Search drew more than 50 applicants
Town officials said the selection follows a recruitment process that attracted more than 50 applicants.
Maintaining transparency throughout the search remained a primary goal for the Town Council, according to the release.
Information about the town manager search and previous public updates are available at oakislandnc.gov.
Cathey says family looks forward to joining community
"I am truly honored to serve as Oak Island’s next Town Manager and grateful for the opportunity to become part of such a welcoming community," Cathey said in the release.
"I look forward to working alongside the Town Council, staff, and community members to build on the Town’s strengths and advance its goals and priorities,” she added. “My family and I are excited to make Oak Island our home, and I look forward to getting to know the people who make this community so special."
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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Oak Island town manager to begin role Sept. 28
