Apex Town Manager Drew Havens to be next Duck town manager

Drew Havens has been named the new Town Manager of Duck, bringing over 20 years of municipal management experience including most recently as manager of the Town of Apex.

He will begin his new duties on Feb. 15, according to a town press release.

The Duck Town Council contracted with Developmental Associates of Chapel Hill to conduct the search to fill the manager vacancy left by the resignation of Christopher Layton last year.

The firm narrowed the field of candidates through preliminary interviews and assessments, sharing their findings with the council members as the process progressed. In December, the council conducted interviews and the final selection step.

“The council conducted an extensive search process starting in August of last year, reviewing and deliberating on numerous well-qualified candidates,” said Mayor Don Kingston. “Drew was selected for his leadership capabilities, outstanding qualifications, and experiences.”

“On behalf of the entire Duck Town Council, I would like to congratulate Drew Havens on becoming our Town Manager and welcome him to the Town of Duck,” said Kingston. “We look forward to working closely with Drew and introducing him to all of the citizens of Duck.”

Havens graduated from Syracuse University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, with a Political Science concentration. He received his Master of Public Administration in 2009 from Walden University in Minneapolis.

In addition to municipal management experience in small and large towns, Havens had an early career in public safety as a police officer and firefighter.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to work with the Mayor, Council, and a great group of professional staff members to continue to provide a high level of quality service to those who live in and visit Duck,” Havens said.

“I look forward to meeting those I serve and working in this organization that values transparency and collaboration, and with co-workers who are empowered to carry out the vision established by the community,” Havens said.

Kingston recognized Director of Community Development, Joe Heard, “for the leadership he has provided to the Town as Interim Town Manager over the past seven months.”

Havens will be in attendance for the Council retreat scheduled for February 17-18. The retreat will be livestreamed for the public and will include chances to engage remotely with staff and council members.

The town will offer additional virtual opportunities to meet the new Town Manager in the coming months.

This story originally appeared on OBXToday.com. Read More local stories here.

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