Mills River names Matthew McKirahan new town manager

The town of Mills River has chosen a new town manager.

Matthew McKirahan, a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, with master's degree in public administration and government experience, will take over the role effective July 29, according to a town news release.

McKirahan called the job “an honor and a privilege.”

“I appreciate the council’s trust and confidence in me as I transition into this new role,” McKirahan said in the release. “The town of Mills River is a truly special community and I look forward to working with the council and the town’s dedicated staff to ensure its continued success.”

McKirahan now works for the village of Pinehurst as the organizational performance director. Here he worked with the village’s strategic planning and performance processes, according to the release.

Before that, he worked in Raleigh in budget and management services.

McKirahan was an International City/County Management Association fellow for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he worked on “muti-departmental performance to ensure success against desired goals.”

He also has experience in communication and marketing while working at the UNC School of Government.

Mills River began looking for a new town manager after the resignation of then town manager Daniel Cobb, who took another position in Granite Falls.

According to the news release, the town evaluated 33 applicants with the help of Developmental Associates, a North Carolina-based firm. Five candidates were selected for an “intensive two-day assessment process.”

A reception for residents to meet McKirahan will be held at a later date.

“The Mills River Council selected Matthew McKirahan after final in-person interviews,” said Mills River Mayor Shanon Gonce in the release. “The Town Council looks forward to working with him in the future and believes he will be a great fit, especially given his background in strategic planning.”

Karrigan Monk is the reporter for Black Mountain News and Hendersonville Times-News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her atkmonk@blackmountainnews.com.