Cleveland County Appoints Interim County Manager

SHELBY, NC – At its January 17 meeting, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of interim County Manager Todd Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter will assume the role effective February 1, 2023, and will replace outgoing County Manager Brian Epley, who has accepted a position with another county in the same role.

Carpenter is a lifelong Cleveland County resident who brings more than 38 years of local government experience to the interim position.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with the great team in place in Cleveland County,” Carpenter said. “I look forward to steering the ship as the Board conducts a search for a permanent manager. I’m thankful for the trust placed in me by the Board of Commissioners and I look forward to getting to work.”

Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Gordon expressed confidence in Carpenter’s abilities.  “We are fortunate to have found such an experienced and knowledgeable leader who is willing to step in on an interim basis to assume the duties of County Manager,”  Gordon said. “We welcome Todd to the team and look forward to working with him.”

The County Manager serves as the chief administrator of county government. His duties include overseeing County departments, programs, and operations pursuant to the policies, ordinances, and directives adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

A search for a full-time County Manager is underway utilizing a nationwide executive search firm. The position reports directly to the Board of Commissioners and will be hired by that five-member board.