Gaston County manager steps down

Gaston County's county manager has resigned to spend more time with her family, but she will continue working for the county in a different capacity.

County Manager Kim Eagle announced her resignation during a Gaston County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday evening.

Eagle said during the meeting that she resigns from her position "with a mix of emotions but an overwhelming sense of gratitude."

"When I embarked on my career in water and sewer administration back in 1994, I never imagined the incredible journey that it would be," she told the Board of Commissioners.

"Each day has brought new challenges and opportunities to serve the community, and for that I am truly blessed."

Gaston County's first female county manager, Eagle was hired as county manager in 2019. Prior to that, she was previously assistant city manager for the city of Charlotte. Eagle worked for the city of Charlotte for 24 years. She has a bachelor's degree from Wingate University, a master's degree in public administration from Appalachian State University, and a doctorate in philosophy from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

In Gaston County, she replaced Gaston County Manager Earl Mathers, who retired Dec. 31, 2019.

Eagle's current salary is $323,586, according to the county.

Eagle said that the decision to step away from her role is driven by a desire to "prioritize my family and to seek a more flexible path ahead."

"It is not without a heavy heart that I leave this chapter behind, but I do so with a knowledge that I have contributed to something very meaningful and that I've helped the county," she said.

In a written statement, Eagle told The Gazette that starting Aug. 5, she will manage Gaston County's federally funded water and sewer projects.

"This transition will provide increased flexibility, reduced stress, and most importantly, a close to my career in the very field where it all started and where my heart finds its most joy," she said.

Chad Brown, chair of the Board of Commissioners, said Eagle has been exceptional.

"She's done a tremendous job. These footsteps will be very, very hard to fill. She's been our rock, as far as the commission … She's accomplished so many great goals. She's basically the reason why we've been able to cut taxes the way we have," he said. She has been a wealth of knowledge for the employees to learn off of. She's a great example of how the job is done right."

Gaston County's deputy county manager Matthew Rhoten has been appointed the new county manager.

In an interview, Rhoten, who has been deputy county manager since 2021 and prior to that was assistant county manager, said he is excited about the opportunity.

"Kim has been a mentor for me over the last five years, so I can't thank her enough for all of her support," Rhoten said.

Originally from Kingsport, Tennessee, Rhoten earned his undergraduate degree from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, along with a Master of Science in Community and Economic Development from the University of Central Arkansas.