News

Mills River hires new town manager

Matthew McKirahan becomes Mills River town manager on July 29.

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 30, 2024

MILLS RIVER — Following a nationwide search, the Mills River Town Council has chosen an experienced local government executive as its new town manager, the town announced Monday. Matthew McKirahan assumes the role on July 29.

McKirahan currently organizational performance director for the Village of Pinehurst, is responsible for executing the town’s strategic planning processes.

McKirahan also has the distinction of being an ICMA Fellow for the City of Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he focused on multi-departmental performance to ensure success against desired goals. He also brings extensive experience in communications and marketing from his time working at the UNC School of Government.

After an extensive screening process where nearly 1,000 people learned about the job and the community, there were 33 applicants whose credentials were evaluated through screening interviews, essay surveys and simulations to identify leadership skills. Five candidates were selected for an intensive two-day assessment process. A team of municipal and local government management experts evaluated each candidate on various exercises designed to be valid, reliable, and unbiased in assessing the critical competencies required for the position.

The simulation exercises were designed following an extensive organizational analysis. All evaluation tools had answer keys that were based on behavioral rather than subjective criteria as provided by the Council. Developmental Associates, a North Carolina-based firm, managed the recruitment and selection process.

Before moving to Pinehurst, McKirahan worked as an analyst for budget and management services for the city of Raleigh.
"When we learned the previous manager had taken another position in Granite Falls, we knew it would be a lengthy process to find our next permanent manager,” Mayor Shanon Gonce said in a news release. “We hired Developmental Associates to help council with recruitment. That was a great decision, as they brought forth several really great prospects.”

The council selected McKirahan after final in-person interviews.

“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,” Gonce said.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the Mills River community in the role of town manager,” McKirahan said. “I appreciate the council’s trust and confidence in me as I transition into this new role. 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.”

Town leaders expect to announce a date and time for a reception at Mills River Town Hall where the community can meet and greet McKirahan once he is on board.