Staff report
Matt Bernhardt, former assistant city manager for utilities in Salisbury, has become director of public works and utilities for Gastonia.
The Gaston Gazette reported Monday that Bernhardt will oversee Gastonia’s field operations and utilities division, which takes in the construction, maintenance and/or operation of streets, traffic signals and sidewalks; water distribution; wastewater and sewer systems; and landscaping.
Bernhardt steps into his new position Aug. 4.
Bernhardt resigned as head of Salisbury-Rowan Utilities effective Feb. 29 after City Manager David Treme placed him on administrative leave. He had been with the department for seven years.
Bernhardt told the Post in March he had an amicable parting with Salisbury. Treme lauded his talents and what he had accomplished with Salisbury.
Bernhardt graduated in 1982 from Salisbury High School and 1986 from Appalachian State University, where he majored in criminal justice.
He had previously served as city manager in Mount Airy for three years and town manager in Troy for nine years.
He joined Salisbury as assistant utilities director in 2001 and became assistant city manager for utilities in October 2002.