The Rocky Mount City Council is pleased to announce the selection of Stephen W. Raper as interim city manager. The appointment became necessary after current City Manager, Charles Penny, announced his retirement, effective April 1, 2017. Raper will assume the responsibilities of city manager until a permanent replacement is named. 

Raper, a resident of Rocky Mount, worked as city manager of Rocky Mount from Jan. 1, 1995 to Dec. 31, 2010. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raper obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in public administration, along with 35 years of service in local government in North Carolina and Tennessee. 

Raper’s first stint with the city of Rocky Mount was in 1975, working his way up from an intern to assistant city manager. He first started when City Hall was located on NE Main Street. 

“Steve Raper is unequivocally qualified to serve in this capacity,” says Rocky Mount Mayor David Combs. “He understands the history and positive aspects of our city, as well as the challenges. Also, after serving 16 years as city manager, Steve is familiar with the city’s various departments. The council is more than happy to have him in this position and to utilize his expertise.” 

Combs also noted the two assistant city managers’ ability and knowledge of local government. 

“Both Tasha Logan Ford and Thomas M. Moton, Jr. are more than qualified to act as interim city manager,” notes Combs. “However, the council strives to provide an equitable process in the event that either of them choose to be a candidate for the position.”

The council has hired Developmental Associates, LLC, based in Chapel Hill, N.C., for the hiring process. According to their website, the non-profit agency “helps organizations identify and develop leaders, people and programs to achieve superior results.” The search for Rocky Mount’s next city manager should take approximately 90 days. The application is currently on the city’s website at www.rockymountnc.gov, and the deadline to apply is March 26, 2017.