News

Laurel Park announces new town manager

Alex Carmichael

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 13, 2022

LAUREL PARK — An intensive search for a new town manager of Laurel Park hit paydirt close to home.
The town council has hired Alex Carmichael, current town administrator for the town of Montreat, as its new manager, Mayor Carey O’Cain announced.

As chief administrative officer for the Buncombe County community for the past 4½ years, Carmichael oversaw day-to-day operations, guided the town’s first-ever annexation — securing support from a neighboring town and getting a local bill through the state Legislature — spearheaded development of new town website and organizational branding and managed several major capital projects, including a new town hall, new public works facility and major road repair initiative.
Carmichael, who was selected from among 19 candidates, will start on Feb. 21. He earned his bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and masters degree from Appalachian State University. He and his wife, Loren, have three children. They’re currently looking for a home in the Laurel Park area.

He succeeds Christopher Todd, who left the town to become director of Business and Community Development for Henderson County.