WILMINGTON — The city has offered its interim attorney a permanent role in the legal department.
During Wilmington City Council’s Tuesday meeting, the board approved the appointment of interim city attorney Meredith Everhart to the position permanently. Everhart was elevated to interim city attorney from deputy city attorney in October 2022, following John Joye’s departure to accept an opportunity in Charlotte.
READ MORE: Wilmington’s city attorney to leave position
Everhart, who’s been with the City of Wilmington since 2012, served in the interim role for seven months, leading the city’s legal office and representing the city in matters before the state and federal courts.
“The City of Wilmington is grateful to Meredith for her service as interim city attorney and for providing a steady hand during that office’s transition in leadership,” Mayor Bill Saffo said in a press release. “Meredith has been an integral part of navigating our city through legal matters for more than a decade. The Council’s decision to appoint her as our next City Attorney expresses our belief that the City of Wilmington will continue to be well served by her legal counsel in this important role.”
Prior to her time with the city, Everhart served for six years as an assistant district attorney in Brunswick County, working with local, state and federal law enforcement and specializing in prosecution of cases involving crimes against children. She also spent four years as an assistant district attorney in New Hanover County, prosecuting a broad range of cases.
The city attorney is one of five positions appointed by council. The other four roles that require council approval are city manager, city clerk, fire chief and police chief.
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