City Manager John Connet has announced that he will be taking on a new role that will allow him to leverage his vast local government management experience to benefit municipalities across the state.
In late September, John Connet will join the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) as its Director of City Relations. This new position will allow him to support more than 500 municipalities across the state and improve the quality of life for North Carolinians. Manager Connet has taken active leadership roles in a volunteer capacity for NCLM in the past, but this full-time position will expand the reach of his advocacy and service.
“Local government has the most direct and tangible impact on residents’ lives,” said City Manager John Connet. “That is something I have focused on for over three decades as a local government employee and city manager. I’ve been called to take the next step in protecting the quality of life we enjoy here in Hendersonville and working to make sure local governments across the state can continue to serve their residents effectively.”
“John’s municipal experience and professionalism are unmatched,” said Rose Vaughn Williams, NCLM Executive Director. “The League has valued his contributions over the years while serving on our board of directors and risk management services board of trustees, and we’re excited to see the positive impact he’ll make working directly with municipal members.”
John Connet has served as Hendersonville’s City Manager since May 2013. Before coming to Hendersonville, he was City Manager of Clinton, NC for eleven years, Town Manager of Winterville, NC for three years, and worked for the City of Hickory for seven years as Risk Manager and Planner. He is a credentialed member of the International City/County Management Association and a member and the past president of the North Carolina City and County Management Association. He has served on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Directors, the Western Carolina University Alumni Association Board of Directors, and is an adjunct professor in WCU’s Master of Public Affairs program. Connet earned his bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University.
“I know I am leaving Hendersonville in very professional and capable hands,” said Connet. “Since my arrival as manager in 2013, we have worked to build a team of capable, motivated, and talented professionals who truly care about our community.”
The Hendersonville City Council is working with Connet to determine a timeline and transition to the city’s next manager.
“While this news is bittersweet, I have full confidence that our organization will transition successfully into its next leadership chapter,” said Mayor Barbara Volk. “Over the next few weeks, we will make additional announcements and celebrate John’s contributions to our city.”
Additional announcements regarding organizational leadership will be made before Connet begins his new role with NCLM in late September.
