Chatham County has announced Bryan Thompson as the successor to the role of County Manager, with his tenure beginning on December 28, 2024. According to the county announcement, Thompson, with an 18-year career in North Carolina local government, has been an Assistant Manager for Chatham since July 2019. He has been directly involved in managing finance, budget, tax, emergency services, and more.
Previously, Thompson served in Mount Gilead, Erwin, and Siler City as Town Manager, before his appointment in Chatham County where he'd also been overseeing departments such as information technology and parks and recreation. Having received his Bachelor of Arts from Campbell University and Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University, his educational background aligns with the intricate demands of the role. Additionally, his affiliation with esteemed institutions such as the Duke North Carolina Leadership Forum and the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Institute vouch for his pedigree in leadership and economic strategizing.
Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair Mike Dasher expressed confidence in Thompson, citing his "deep knowledge and understanding of the issues we face" and the unanimous trust the Board places in his capabilities to navigate the county's future challenges and opportunities, as mentioned in the county announcement.
Grateful for the opportunity, Thompson shared his enthusiasm about his new role, having expressed to Chatham County News, "I am honored and grateful to be given the opportunity to serve our community as County Manager, and I want to express my appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for their trust in my ability to take on this important role." He also acknowledged his predecessor's leadership and his eagerness to work with the dedicated staff to foster a vibrant future for Chatham County.
Thompson will be stepping into his new role following the retirement of the incumbent County Manager LaMontagne on December 27, 2024, ready to champion the rigors and triumphs that come with the governance and administration of Chatham County.
