Weaverville – The Town of Weaverville recently announced the appointment of David “Scottie” Harris as its new town manager following a comprehensive national search. This decision came after nine months of Harris serving as the Acting/Interim Town Manager, where he effectively navigated the challenges posed by Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene.
Leadership Transition and Community Resilience
Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons expressed confidence in Harris’s capabilities, stating, “Weaverville’s Town Council is pleased to announce that Scottie Harris has been hired as Weaverville’s next Town Manager. This appointment follows nine months of Scottie’s dedicated service to the Town as Acting/Interim Town Manager, where he demonstrated his knowledge and experience in the management of local government.” Fitzsimmons highlighted Harris’s leadership during recent challenges, emphasizing the council’s belief in his ability to guide the town through its next chapters.
Harris brings over 30 years of experience in emergency services, with more than 20 years in municipal government. His extensive background includes over a decade of military service in overseas assignments, which has honed his leadership skills in various settings. Reflecting on his new role, Harris remarked, “I’m honored to be selected to serve as the next Town Manager for Weaverville. I look forward to continuing collaboration not only with Town Council but with our community as we develop partnerships to facilitate managed growth.”
Harris holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in public administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration. He has also completed several professional development programs, including the UNC Charlotte Human Resources Certificate Program and the UNC School of Government Municipal Administration Course. His qualifications are further bolstered by numerous certifications in emergency services, including those from the UNC Chapel Hill School of Public Health.
In a letter of support from Weaverville’s Department Heads, they stated, “In these past six months, Scottie has shown himself to be more than just a capable manager—he is a genuine leader who has earned our trust and respect.” They praised his humility and commitment to self-improvement, noting that these qualities make him well-suited to lead Weaverville into the future.
The financial implications of Harris’s appointment are significant. The Town of Weaverville operates under a Council-Manager form of government, where the council sets policies and the town manager oversees their implementation. With an annual budget of $16 million and approximately 80 employees, Harris will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day operations. His contract stipulates a salary of $140,000, effective immediately.
The selection process for the new town manager was thorough and involved hiring the recruitment firm Developmental Associates in November 2024. This four-month process included phone and virtual interviews, scenario-based assessments, and in-person meetings with the Town Council. The council officially appointed Harris during their meeting on March 24.
Harris emphasized his commitment to excellence and public service, stating that he is “driven by a relentless commitment to excellence and a passion for public service.” He aims to build a strong team to meet the needs of Weaverville’s growing community effectively. As he looks ahead, he expressed pride in the community’s resilience during recent challenges, saying, “I can look around and see the accomplishments of neighbors helping neighbors that show what this community and Town are all about.”
The historical context surrounding Harris’s appointment reflects a period of recovery and growth for Weaverville. The town has faced various challenges recently, but Harris’s leadership is expected to inspire collective action among residents and stakeholders. The Department Heads noted that his success will depend on his ability to balance competing priorities while listening to constituents and implementing innovative policies.
As Weaverville moves forward under Harris’s leadership, the town council remains focused on fostering collaboration and ensuring that the community’s needs are met. The appointment marks a pivotal moment for Weaverville as it seeks to navigate future challenges while promoting sustainable growth.