WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC New Pender Co. manager wants to 'stay for a long time'

BURGAW, NC (WECT) – The Pender County Board of Commissioners have appointed Dr. Michael N. "Mickey" Duvall of Franklin, North Carolina as the new County Manager on Thursday morning. Duvall currently serves as the County Manager for Graham County, North Carolina.  

The vote to appoint Duvall was a close one – 3 to 2.  Commission Chairman George Brown and Commissioner David Williams opposed.

Brown said the county is losing a seasoned manager and still doesn't have a finance director, so he was looking for someone highly qualified.

"You have to see what you think in your heart of hearts what's best for the community, what's best for the county and there were other candidates that I thought had more experience," said Brown.

Despite the split decision, Brown said the new manager has the board's full support.

Duvall said Thursday that he's not under any kind of contract with the county by his own choice.  He said he doesn't believe in contracts because he should be able to stay as long as he is wanted in the county and as long as he wants to be in the county.

"I want to stay for a long time," said Duvall.  "I have a family that I am settling down with here."

Duvall has served as the Graham County Manager since 2010. He also serves in the capacity of economic development director. Prior to serving as the Graham County Manager, Duvall served as Senior Economic and Community Development Director and Director of Tribal Grants for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation from 2005-2010.

Duvall earned a BS in Political Science/Public Administration from Western Carolina University in 1987, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Western Carolina University in 1991, and a Doctor of Theology from Gulf Coast Seminary/New Orleans Baptist in 1993.

Duvall and his wife Katie have four children: Tanner, Michael, Wyatt and Abigail. He is an ordained minister and is actively involved in family activities, community service and particularly ministries focused on teens.

Pender Commissioners initiated the manager search process in September last year when current Manager Rick Benton announced his retirement.

Human Resource Director Amber Parker will serve as the interim manager until Duvall starts on February 13.

Copyright WECT 2012. All rights reserved.