This week’s Hometown Hero, presented by Hendrick Southpoint, is Chapel Hill town manager Maurice Jones.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Jones said. “We got started with a bang last year and obviously Silent Sam and the monument going down in that first day that I was actually here.”

Between Silent Sam’s fall, protests, hurricanes and winter storms, Jones’ first year in Chapel Hill has been eventful.

“Folks have been incredibly welcoming to me,” Jones said. “The community and the town council have been great.

“[Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger] has been very supportive and so it’s been great from that standpoint. I’ve got a chance to really get to know Chapel Hill.”