CONCORD — Cabarrus County Manager John Day will retire at the end of September, the county announced today.
Deputy County Manager Mike Downs will serve as interim manager while Day stays on as a consultant until June 30, 2012, a press release said.
Day, who has been the county manager since 2003, is leaving to “pursue other initiatives and projects in the region and in North Carolina,” the press release said.
“Working with Cabarrus County has been a great opportunity, and I’m very proud of the many important achievements made here alongside with the staff and commissioners. From innovations in land use regulations, to employee health care, to building a sustainable local economy, Cabarrus County has become a national model. It is so gratifying to know Cabarrus County has truly embraced a triple-bottom line approach to governing and serving,” Day said in the press release.
“Our many accomplishments here, and the foundations built, allow me to move on to the next chapter of my life without hesitation,” he said. “Exciting new opportunities are opening for me to work on local, regional and statewide projects aimed at sustainability, self-reliance, health, social justice and prosperity.”
Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jay White thanked Day for his “dedication and contributions over the past eight years as county manager and his participation in the evolution of Cabarrus County into a financially strong and fundamentally sound institution. I know John will be successful in his next endeavors.”
Liz Poole, vice chairwoman of the county board, said Day’s leadership “has created a nurturing organizational culture that supports the personal growth and health of county employees, creating an environment where employees value teamwork and provide dedicated service to the public. I appreciate what he’s done for the county organization, for the board of commissioners, and for the community.”
Downs has overseen county operations for the past eight years of his 25-year tenure with Cabarrus County.