From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C .— Hendersonville City Manager John Connet announced on July 31 that he is stepping down after 13 years to become the new director of city relations for the North Carolina League of Municipalities. 

In this new statewide role beginning in late September, he will support local leaders and manage government challenges across more than 500 municipalities.

Among his key tenure highlights as Hendersonville city manage are the follpwing:

• Tenure start: Hired in May 2013 after serving in local government for more than three decades.

• Major events: Guided Hendersonville through robust residential growth, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene.

• Proudest achievement: Building what Connet has described as a strong, talented and capable team of staff and department heads from top to bottom.

Following are the next steps and transition details:

• Departure date: Late September.

• Leadership transition: Hendersonville City Council is actively working with Connet to determine the timeline and select the next city manager.

A City of Hendersonville press release, dated July 31, stated that “(City)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.”

Connett was quoted in the city release as saying the following:

“Local government has the most direct and tangible impact on residents’ lives.

“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.” 

Rose Vaughn Williams, NCLM executive director, noted in the release that “John’s municipal experience and professionalism are unmatched. The League has valued his contributions over the years while serving on our board of directorand risk management services board of trustees, and we’re excited to see the positive impact he’ll make working directly with municipal members.”  

Before taking the helm in Hendersonville, Connet was the city manager of Clinton, N.C., for 11 years, town manager of Winterville, N.C., 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 holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University.  

“While this news is bittersweet, I have full confidence that our organization will transition successfully into its next leadership chapter,” Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk said. “Over the next few weeks, we will make additional announcements and celebrate John’s contributions to our city.”