07/03/2025
New town manager hired.
MOUNT GILEAD WELCOMES BARRETT BROWN AS NEW TOWN MANAGER
I am particularly pleased to announce that we have officially selected Barrett Brown as the next Town Manager of Mount Gilead. Mr. Brown has extensive volunteer and community-building experience, as well as town management and administrative experience. He’s a perfect fit for this role, and I hope to work closely with him in the coming months to accelerate some of the projects that have been on hold here in town while our interim manager, Michael Ferris, kept the lights on and the machine moving.
Barrett brings meaningful experience in local government, most recently serving as the Town Administrator for Green Level, North Carolina. During his time there, he implemented the Town Council’s strategic vision by overseeing daily operations, supervising all departments, and ensuring projects and services advanced council goals for infrastructure, public services, and community engagement. He strengthened the town’s financial health by eliminating a two-year audit backlog, growing reserves, working with the council to cut wasteful spending, improving billing compliance, securing grant funding, and creating new revenue streams. He rebuilt and professionalized the town’s workforce, including creating a fully functioning Parks and Recreation Department and hiring credentialed staff across departments. He expanded town services and infrastructure by bringing bulk and brush collection and code enforcement in-house, completing a long-delayed pump station project, and securing funding for a water and sewer Asset Inventory and Assessment. He increased community programs and resident engagement by launching a town newsletter, an emergency notification system, new athletic programs, and the annual Juneteenth celebration.
When asked about joining Mount Gilead, Barrett shared, “My family and I are grateful for this opportunity. I’m excited to work with the Board, staff, and community as we support smart growth and continue providing core services to residents with dignity.”
Throughout the hiring process, it became clear that Barrett is an experienced municipal leader with a sincere passion for public service and a track record of working closely with the communities he serves. His leadership style, steady presence, and heart for the work stood out. I am particularly impressed with Barrett’s volunteer work, which you may know is very close to my heart. Community building and service matter, and he impressed me.
As Town Manager, Barrett will oversee daily operations of the Town, including public safety, utilities, recreation, infrastructure, and town services. He will also manage the town’s budget and staff, working in close partnership with our board and residents.
Barrett is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, holding a degree in Political Science and Government. He has continued his professional development through the UNC School of Government and the North Carolina League of Municipalities. He and his wife are raising five children together, and we are thrilled to welcome their family to Mount Gilead.
Barrett will officially begin his role on July 7, 2025. Please join me in giving him a warm Mount Gilead welcome.
