CONCORD — The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners has named Mike Downs the new county manager.
Downs has served as interim county manager since Sept. 30 following John Day’s retirement from the post. Downs has overseen county operations as deputy county manager for the past eight years.
“Mike Downs has been an invaluable asset to Cabarrus County over the past two decades. He is well-respected in the community and is widely known as an excellent networker who is capable of making things happen. I know Mike will be able to effectively manage the county as we strive to pull out of the economic recession,” commissioners Chairman Jay White said in a press release.
Downs began his tenure with Cabarrus County 25 years ago when he was hired as a zoning inspector. He moved up the ranks over the years becoming a zoning manager, director of Development Services and director of Public Safety Services before being named deputy county manager.
The Board of Commissioners appointed him as county manager after a closed session Monday night.
Downs said his three main objectives in his first year as county manager will be to work with staff to deliver an acceptable budget proposal for next fiscal year, to work with business leaders to pursue additional economic development, and to build stronger relationships with community members.
“I appreciate the Board of Commissioners’ confidence in me,” Downs said in the press release. “With the new economy, there will be much more need for collaborative projects. I look forward to the opportunity to work together with the varied groups and stakeholders in the community to ensure Cabarrus County continues to be recognized as a great place to live, work and play.”