WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — A New Hanover County coastal community has a new town manager.
Wrightsville Beach has named Haynes Brigman the administrative leader of its 2,400-person community. The town aldermen voted unanimously to hire Brigman at its Sept. 12 meeting, after conducting a six-month nationwide search. He will start his role on Oct. 7.
Sixty candidates were vetted through a layered screening process.
“Haynes brings almost 15 years of experience in North Carolina county and municipal government,” Mayor Darryl Mills said in a press release. “We are confident in his ability to lead our town and ensure a high quality of life for all residents.”
Brigman served as deputy county manager for Brunswick County and had been the town manager for other municipalities statewide, including in Harrisburg, Pineville, and Yanceyville.
With a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration from Appalachian State University., Brigman is certified in local government management, enveloping economic development, zoning administration, and leadership. He has a credentialed manager distinction from the International City/County Management Association and graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Government’s Municipal and County Administration course.
The Leland resident, who is married with two children, serves in civic and nonprofit organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Ruritan Club, YMCA, and Chamber of Commerce Leadership Committee.
“Wrightsville Beach is a beautiful, thriving town, and recognized far and wide for its outstanding people, places, and businesses,” Brigman said in a press release. “Living in the region, Wrightsville Beach is a special place for my family and me, and I am honored to serve the residents of this exceptional town.”
Brigman’s hire comes after town manager Tim Owens suddenly resigned from his post earlier in the year. Owens was implicated in a town petition to fire the Wrightsville Beach Fire Chief Josh Haraway, who resigned in March. The petition noted the chief’s behavior led to a toxic work environment and that personnel issues were also mishandled, citing the town manager’s involvement.
Mayor Darryl Mills announced Owens’ exit in a mid-January alderman meeting. Alderman Ken Dull told PCD at the time that Owens’ had been considering his retirement for months. He oversaw the management of the coastal community for 11 years.
Tony Wilson was acting town manager since Owens’ exit.
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