Anticipated City of Clinton leadership changes are starting to take shape this week, with an interim city manager selected Tuesday and the announcement of the next police chief expected in the near future.

The City Council appointed Robert Hyatt as interim city manager following a brief closed session at the end of Tuesday night’s meeting. Current city manager Shawn Purvis will be departing April 20 for the assistant town manager position in Apex, it was announced last month.

Hyatt retired from local government in December 2015 after 34 years of service, holding top positions at the municipal and county level. Hyatt will be the city’s manager on a temporary basis as the Council works to fill the position permanently.

“He has been a longtime distinguished manager,” said Mayor Lew Starling. “He has done both city manager work and county work. He will be here on a full-time, but temporary, basis to get us through the process of hiring a permanent manager. We are pleased to have him here.”

Hyatt has served as town manager of Wallace and Clayton, assistant county manager of Brunswick County and concluded his career with a 16-year stint as county manager of Davidson County. He holds bachelor and masters degrees from Appalachian State University and completed the Public Executive Leadership Academy and the Municipal and County Administration Program at the UNC School of Government. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association and a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his years of public service.

Tuesday was Purvis’ final regular meeting after nine years with the city.

He began his career with Clinton as assistant city manager in May 2008. Three years later, Purvis assumed the role of finance director and served the dual role of assistant manager/finance director until the departure of then-city manager John Connet in May 2013. Purvis took the helm as interim manager before being promoted to manager in November 2013.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, as Clinton has been home and a fantastic place to be. I’m fortunate to have been a small part of everything you’ve asked us to do, and work with a great community, a fantastic staff and a very capable team,” Purvis said. “I’m truly fortunate and blessed to have been with all of you, and I wanted to take the time to thank you and the community for that.”

Starling thanked Purvis for his service, while also noting that he wasn’t done, as a Council workshop would be held later this month and a public reception to bid adieu to the city manager was scheduled from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 19 at the City Hall Auditorium.

Police chief search

Purvis said the city is inching closer to the selection of Clinton Police Department’s next leader.

At the beginning of January, current Chief Jay Tilley announced that he would be leaving in four months, extended notice to allow for him to assist city managerial staff through the process of finding his successor. Tilley has served as Clinton’s police chief since September 2012 and his last day will be April 30.

Last week, an assessment center was held involving the top candidates for the position.

“We had three very qualified candidates,” Purvis said. “We’re at the due diligence stage, with background checks and references, and asking some follow-up questions. We’re expecting to make an offer later this week.”

The Clinton City Council appointed Robert Hyatt, standing, as interim city manager following a brief closed session at the end of Tuesday night’s meeting. City manager Shawn Purvis, seated, will be leaving the helm April 20.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_City-manager.jpgThe Clinton City Council appointed Robert Hyatt, standing, as interim city manager following a brief closed session at the end of Tuesday night’s meeting. City manager Shawn Purvis, seated, will be leaving the helm April 20.

By Chris Berendt

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