Asheboro picks next city manager from western North Carolina

Donald Duncan (Courtesy photo)

ASHEBORO – Donald Duncan, who has been involved in city and county government in the western part of North Carolina, will be the next city manager for Asheboro.

Duncan was selected among several dozen applicants.

“My family and I are excited to join the Asheboro community,” Duncan said in a statement. “I aspire to live up to the trust placed in me by a wonderful Mayor and dedicated City Council.”

Duncan, 47, spent the last three years as Caldwell County manager. Before that, he was city manager in Conover for 15 years. He has bachelor’s degree in political science and masters degrees in public administration from Appalachian State.

“We have every confidence that he is the right person to lead the city forward in the days ahead and into new opportunities,” Asheboro mayor David Smith said. “Asheboro doesn’t choose a city manager that often so we’re glad to have found the right one for us.”

Duncan begins his duties in Asheboro on March 17. He replaces retiring city manager John Ogburn, who has been in the position for 24 years.

“Asheboro has an amazing reputation and is well led by Mr. Ogburn and team through the trying times of the Great Recession and global pandemic,” Duncan said. “I look forward to being a part of such a great organization and working through an unprecedented time of growth and revitalization.”

Based on information from the city, Duncan’s background includes assisting to establish the first local Railroad Authority in North Carolina and the establishment of Manufacturing Solutions Center, a public-private partnership that combines business and government to share costs. He’s also credited with bolstering regional transit systems and pushing for local transportation improvement plans.

Conover, which is in Catawba County, had about 150 employees when Duncan was in the role there.

There were at least 61 applicants and eight finalists. Smith said there was “a good group to pick from.”

The general job description called for the successful candidate will to “have a demonstrated track record in efficient and responsive local government executive management.”

Asheboro touts stability in the city manager position. There have only been three people in that role for the past 55 years. Duncan will oversee 383 city employees.

Duncan will be relocating with his wife, Amanda, and a daughter and son.