Following a national search, the Pinehurst Village Council has selected Doug Willardson as the next Village Manager, effective Sept. 7.
Willardson, currently the Assistant Village Manager of Administration with the Village, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, said the Village in a press release. A proven leader with a strong track record in municipal government, Willardson has served the Village of Pinehurst for the past three years.
“The Pinehurst Village Council is pleased to announce the hiring of Doug Willardson as the next Village Manager,” said Mayor Patrick Pizzella. “We cast our net nationally to capture the highest-performing future manager for the Village – luckily, we found our next manager right here. Our Village is fortunate to have Mr. Willardson already a part of our community. He is familiar with our residents and will continue to deliver the expected high-level of service.”
His responsibilities have included overseeing administrative services, financial management, and human resources. Prior to his tenure in Pinehurst, Willardson served as a Town Administrator in Webster, Massachusetts and Assistant Town Administrator in Grafton, Massachusetts.
“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Village Manager,” said Willardson. “Pinehurst is a special place, and I look forward to working closely with the Village Council to build upon its rich history and continue to create a vibrant community for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Willardson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside outgoing Village Manager Jeff Sanborn and recently retired Assistant Village Manager of Operations Jeff Batton.
“I have learned immensely from their leadership and dedication to the Village,” Willardson said.
More information:
*Administration – The Village of Pinehurst has a council-manager form of government. The five council members, including the mayor, are elected. The Council appoints the Village Manager. Each has a different set of responsibilities. The Council sets policies: the Village Manager and his staff carry them out. As a professional administrator, the Village Manager coordinates all day-to-day operations and administration of about 150 employees and an annual total budget of $32.5 million.
*Background – The current Village Manager is Jeff Sanborn, who submitted his resignation in February. Sanborn will assume the position of County Manager for Stokes County in September.
*The Village Council, along with the Village’s Human Resources Department, led a months-long national search for candidates. Candidates completed a scenario-based writing questionnaire and met for in-person interviews with the Village Council.
*The Council approved the employment contract for Doug Willardson on Tuesday, Aug. 13, with a start date of Saturday, Sept. 7.
Contributed/Courtesy photo.
