PENDER COUNTY — The leader of the state’s second fastest growing county in southeastern North Carolina is no longer serving in his role.
Michael Silverman has been let go from his position as county manager in Pender County, only ten months into the job. Commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday evening to fire him. The vote was effective immediately.
Newly re-appointed commissioner Jimmy Tate made the motion, according to county spokesperson Brandi Cobb. Seconded by Brent Springer, the vote passed with Brad George also in favor. Chair Randy Burton and commissioner Jerry Groves dissented.
Silverman could not be reached by press. Port City Daily also contacted all of the commissioners Wednesday to find out more about the vote. Only Groves responded by press.
“In my opinion Mr. Silverman was the best manager Pender County has ever had and that is why I voted against it,” he said.
Silverman was present throughout Tuesday’s four-hour meeting, engaging with the board. On the commissioners meeting video, Burton inquired at the end if anyone from various departments had additional items to address. Upon asking the attorney, Trey Thurman pointed to closed-session matters, listing attorney-client, economic development, potential acquisition of real property and personnel.
“I do not have any personnel listed on this current executive session,” Silverman said, holding up the agenda.
“I was talking about the matter we discussed Friday,” Thurman answered, to which Silverman nodded and responded: “Yes, sir — OK.”
It’s unclear what the personnel matter was and if it referred to his own firing. The vote to terminate was taken at the end of the meeting, when commissioners reconvened from closed session, though it wasn’t shown on the video recording of the meeting.
Silverman was hired last spring to take over from former County Manager David Andrews who retired and exited the position in June 2024. From Sanford, Silverman attended UNCW and received a master’s in public administration. He left his city manager position in Pascagoula, Mississippi, last year to move back to coastal North Carolina.
While some key employee information is protected by North Carolina law, his contract is considered public record. According to the paperwork, Silverman started the position on June 3, 2024, with an annual salary of $180,000 and benefits; the county paid his moving expenses up to $6,000.
The contract notes upon termination, the county will be required to pay at least six months of severance, accrued vacation, sick time and paid holidays. This will be null and void if the termination comes with any inactions or actions justifying termination according to the Pender County Personnel Policy — or in the event of a felony conviction, a crime of moral turpitude that is a felony or misdemeanor, insubordination, or personal misconduct, as defined by General Statute 96-14.6.
The commissioners appointed Meg Blue, the county’s finance director, to fill in the position for the time being. No information was provided upon asking whether a national search would begin for the county manager replacement.
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