After a search process that extended across seven months, the Town of Pittsboro has a new town manager.

The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted in closed session and announced its selection of Jonathan Franklin during a special meeting on Tuesday night. He will leave his role as City Manager for Newton, NC and will begin in his new position on May 1.

Jonathan Franklin

Prior to being hired by the City of Newton, Franklin worked as the town manager for Maysville, NC and a town administrator for Louisburg, NC. He holds a master of public administration degree from Appalachian State University and a master of business administration degree from the University of Mount Olive.

“Mr. Franklin has served the communities of Newton, Louisburg, and Maysville with distinction and brings those experiences and talent to us,” Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry said in a release from the local government. “His expertise with utility infrastructure is key to our future.”

The hiring of Franklin is the town’s latest effort to find stability in the town manager role. Chris Kennedy, who was appointed as town manager in July 2020, submitted a surprise resignation to the town in August 2022. A search process was conducted, resulting in several applicants and the town offered two candidates the role in the winter — but no one was hired. That led to Pittsboro extending the search process and gathering more applicants, while also seeing Interim Town Manager Hazen Blodgett depart at the end of January. The town named yet another interim town manager this week, as Kent Jackson replaces the departing Larry Faison — who took over for Blodgett.

Pittsboro’s town commissioners ultimately chose Franklin based on “his knowledge, skills, ability to fulfill the position’s duties, personality, and leadership style,” according to Wednesday’s release.

“The Board and I,” said Perry, “welcome him, his family, and his keen interest in helping Pittsboro address growth. We have a shared vision to remain a vibrant and welcoming community.”

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