Christopher Todd named Laurel Park town manager
Laurel Park Town Council announced its new town manager Tuesday, a man who comes with experience working in Henderson County.
Christopher W. Todd was named the town’s next manager during the council’s meeting Tuesday morning. He was selected from a field of 29 candidates.
Todd, 29, previously served as town administrator for the town of Sawmills in Caldwell County. Prior to that, he was employed by Henderson County as a land use planner. He also served on the Henderson County Historic Resources Commission.
Todd will assume his duties July 15.
"I look forward to working with this unique and historic community here in Henderson County,” Todd said. “I started my professional career as a planner for Henderson County and got to know this area, this town. Frankly I've been trying to find a way to come back ever since because I do believe in the unique character of Laurel Park and the unique character of this area."
Todd said his first move will be to figure out exactly what the council wants to do with its community and try to achieve those goals.
"My initial goal is to do whatever the council has said is their priority,” he said. “I don't try to bring my initial priorities into a situation until I have had a good opportunity to speak with the council, speak with the citizens and make sure that my priorities are lining up with what they want."
Todd fills the position vacated by Alison Alexander, who left in January. Interim Town Manager Michael Morgan will continue to work during the transition.
“The town of Laurel Park was very fortunate to have several very qualified candidates to apply for the manager’s position,” Mayor Carey O’Cain said. “However, Christopher’s experience and background stood out in a very talented group of applicants.”
“I believe that Christopher will be a strong leader for our community and will be comfortable working with all the citizens of Laurel Park,” he added. “He has demonstrated that he is a person with untarnished integrity with outstanding personal work ethic.”
Though Todd grew up in Florida, Laurel Park has been a special place for him. During the interviews, Todd told the council he proposed to his wife, Victoria, on Jump Off Rock.
"I did that for a couple of reasons,” he said. “One it was beautiful; two, I knew we wouldn't get sweaty having to go up a beautiful place because I can pretty much drive there. And three, I always jokingly said I was trying to give my wife a strong connection to this area and place so I can help bring her here."
Todd received his Bachelor of Science in geography in 2012 from Appalachian State University and dual master’s degrees in geography and public administration from Appalachian State in 2017.
Todd has continued a pursuit of professional growth through courses at the University of North Carolina School of Government, where he completed the municipal and county administration program and the LGFCU Fellows program.
He is pursuing a budget officer certification through the North Carolina Local Government Budget Association.