According to a press release, Salisbury City Manager Lane Bailey has made management changes within the city and announced this morning he has promoted Rodney Harrison to transit director. John Sofley, assistant city manager over finance, has been reassigned to assistant city manager over Fibrant and related services. Teresa Harris, an experienced member of the management team, has been appointed finance director and will report directly to Bailey.

Harrison has been with the city since 1996 and has served as transit manager since 2010.  He holds a masters in public administration from Troy University and an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina. Transit recently moved from a Rural Area program to an Urbanized Area program and was designated as a New Grantee through the Federal Transit Administration.

Bailey said, “Given the complexities of this department it makes sense to promote Rodney to this role.  He will be an outstanding addition to our management team.”

Harrison said, “Salisbury and Rowan County residents deserve mobility options which are safe and affordable. I look forward to working with Mr. Bailey as we address the many challenges facing public transportation at the local, state and federal level.

Sofley began work with the city in 1987 and was promoted to assistant city manager in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s of science in business administration from Western Carolina University and is a certified public accountant.

Bailey noted, “Fibrant is the most important issue facing the city of Salisbury, and because of its importance I have asked John to take this lead role to work to make the enterprise fund more solvent. Fibrant is one of the city’s greatest assets. We have broadband capabilities most communities can only dream of, and it is essential we manage the fund well and continue to grow customers. John has been in on Fibrant since its launch and understands this business model.”

Bailey added, “We are also truly blessed to have Kent Winrich leading our technical efforts and growing Fibrant in the business community.”  Sofley said, “I am excited to take this role. I look forward to working with Kent and all the other employees who work with Fibrant. We have a unique opportunity to transform this city and for Fibrant to become the asset it was envisioned to be.”

Harris has been with the city since 1990 and has served as financial services manager since 2012. She has a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Bailey said, “I enjoyed working with Teresa and was impressed with her skills as we prepared this year’s budget. I look forward to working with her in this new role.”

Harris said, “I am excited to continue to be part of an excellent team in this new capacity. Salisbury has opportunities and challenges as we provide services to the citizens while maintaining financial accountability and sustainability.”