New city manager welcomed in Southport | Business

SOUTHPORT, NC (WECT) – Southport is getting ready to welcome a new city manager from another coastal town.

Pat Tomas was hired this past week as the city’s newest leader.

Thomas is currently the town manager of Swansboro in Onslow County.

City leaders say that Thomas has years of experience with urban cities, infrastructure and water-front preservation, which are all things they were looking for in candidates.

“We are all about our waterfront in Southport and we feel like, at this time, that is exactly what we need,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mary Ellen Poole. “We need someone who has experience in preserving the waterfront and understands its importance to our city.”

Thomas’ first day on the job is April 16.

For the past year, the city clerk has served as interim city manager.

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