Weaverville town manager announced

Press release from The Town of Weaverville:

Following a national search for town manager, Weaverville’s Town Council has selected David “Scottie” Harris as its next town manager.

Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons stated: “Weaverville’s Town Council is pleased to announce that Scottie Harris has been hired as Weaverville’s next Town Manager. This appointment follows nine months of Scottie’s dedicated service to the Town as Acting/Interim Town Manager, where he demonstrated his knowledge and experience in the management of local government and brought the Town through many of the challenges of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene. We have confidence that Harris can lead the Town through its next chapters.”

Harris has a 30+ year career in emergency services with over 20 years in municipal government. He also has more than 10 years in overseas military assignments in war zones, either through armed forces deployment or Department of Defense contracts. Each role in county, municipal, and international settings, provided opportunities to grow his leadership skills.

Harris remarked: “I’m honored to be selected to serve as the next Town Manager for Weaverville.  I look forward to continuing collaboration not only with Town Council, but with our community as we develop partnerships to facilitate managed growth. I am proud to be a member of this team that showed such excellence in persevering with a “can do” attitude in overcoming obstacles during Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene. As we continue with the recovery efforts, I can look around and see the accomplishments of neighbors helping neighbors that show what this community and Town are all about.”

Harris holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in public administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration. He completed the UNC Charlotte Human Resources Certificate Program in 2024 and the UNC School of Government Municipal Administration Course in 2022. He holds numerous certifications in emergency services areas, including Community Preparedness and Disaster Management Program facilitated through the UNC Chapel Hill School of Public Health and Responder Wellness Program through the National Fire Academy.
Harris is quoted as saying that he is “driven by a relentless commitment to excellence and a passion for public service,” and has indicated that he will continue his focus on leadership and professional development to support and build the best team that he can so that the needs of this growing community are met to the best of his ability.

In a letter of support Weaverville’s Department Heads stated that: “In these past six months, Scottie has shown himself to be more than just a capable manager—he is a genuine leader who has earned our trust and respect. His humility, commitment to self-improvement, and tireless work ethic make him the ideal person to continue guiding Weaverville forward. His success as Town Manager will also lie in his ability to inspire collective action and balance competing priorities. By listening to constituents, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing innovative policies, he can guide Weaverville onto an upward trajectory that promises continued prosperity for future generations.”

More information:

• The Town of Weaverville operates as a Council-Manager form of government. The seven council members, including the mayor, are elected. The Council appoints the town manager. Each has a different set of responsibilities: Council sets policies and the Town Manager and his staff carry them out. As a professional administrator, the Town Manager coordinates all day-to-day operations and administration of about 80 employees and an annual total budget of $16 million.
• Scottie Harris has served as the acting or interim town manager since June 2024.
• To manage the process for selection and recruitment of the town manager, the Council hired recruitment firm Developmental Associates in November 2024, which led an intensive process spanning four months. Following a national search, candidates conducted phone and virtual interviews, completed a scenario-based assessment center, and met for in-person interviews and sessions with the Town Council.
• The Council took action at its meeting on Monday, March 24, to make the appointment and approve an employment contract for Scottie Harris. Under the contract, the town manager’s salary is set at $140,000 with an immediate start date.