Chapel Hill's Town Manager, Maurice Jones, is stepping down from his position effective Dec. 31, according to a Tuesday morning press release from the Town of Chapel Hill.
“After an assessment of my personal priorities, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position as town manager,” Jones said.
Jones began his position on Sept. 2, 2018, and has since overseen the creation of the Town's climate plan, run the Town through the COVID-19 pandemic, developed a review program for affordable housing projects and founded the Town's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office.
Chapel Hill's town manager is the administrative head of the Town, overseeing around 700 employees and the Town's nearly $130 million budget. The town manager also provides recommendations on policy to the Town Council.
“We are grateful to Maurice for his commitment to Chapel Hill,” Mayor Pam Hemminger said. “He has provided a steady hand through the pandemic and other critical moments while, also, helping to promote equity and inclusion throughout our organization and the community.”
While the search for a new town manager is expected to take up to eight months and will begin in January, an interim manager will be appointed at a special town council meeting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14. According to the press release, the council has already identified someone to hold the position in the interim.
“It’s been an honor to serve the Town of Chapel Hill over the past four and a half years,” Jones said. “Together, we have come through the pandemic in good shape and taken important steps forward as an organization.”
