Grifton manager takes job in Hertford County

Grifton's town manager is leaving his post after a 14-month tenure to become the Hertford County manager effective Aug. 1.

Oryan Lowry notified the Grifton Town Board of Commissioners on July 1 that he would be accepting the new post. He gave a 30-day notice, officials said, making his last day in Grifton July 31.

“I've had a wonderful experience working for the town of Grifton over the past 14-plus months, and I’ve established some lifelong friendships that I will continue to foster now that I'm moving to Hertford County,” Lowry said. “I look forward to the continued success of Grifton as far as their growth because they've got a lot of economic development going and opportunities with housing as well, and I look forward to the future for Grifton and I wish them all the best.”

In his new position, Lowry will oversee the day-to-day operations of Hertford County government, working closely with the Board of Commissioners, county staff, elected officials, citizens, and community stakeholders, commissioners Chairman Andre M. Lassiter Sr.

"His extensive experience in municipal management and his commitment to fostering transparent, accountable governance make him well-equipped to lead Hertford County into a successful future,” Lassiter said.

Grifton hired Lowry in May 2023 to replace Mark Warren, who served as interim town manager for several years. Hailing from Robeson County, he held similar positions in Pembroke, Rowland and Bladenboro.

Prior to coming to Grifton he worked for Hope Alive, a nonprofit working to establish an opioid treatment facility in Robeson County.

Lowry received an undergraduate degree and a master’s in public administration from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, served in the U.S. Army and North Carolina National Guard and was a consumer safety inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.