Town Council selects Person County manager following a transparent, 50-candidate search
Oak Island, NC — Oak Island is set to welcome a seasoned municipal leader to the coast. Following a unanimous vote by the Town Council during a special meeting on July 23, Katherine Miller Cathey has been officially appointed as the town’s next manager.
Cathey brings more than 20 years of experience in county and municipal administration to the position.
She currently serves as the County Manager for Person County, North Carolina, where her responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day operations and collaborating closely with elected officials, community partners, and staff. Her extensive background in local government also features previous service as Person County’s Assistant County Manager, as well as leadership roles in budgeting and human resources with the Town of Hillsborough and Orange County.
A strong academic foundation supports her administrative career.
Cathey holds a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies from Duke University. Additionally, she is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and remains actively involved in civic, nonprofit, and professional organizations throughout the state.
Outside of her professional commitments, Cathey is deeply engaged in her local church, the Rotary Club, and initiatives dedicated to strengthening civic life.
The appointment is the culmination of an exhaustive recruitment effort. The Town Council prioritized a transparent selection process that evaluated more than 50 applicants before ultimately deciding on Cathey.
Reflecting on her appointment, Cathey shared her enthusiasm for the community and her upcoming transition:
“I am truly honored to serve as Oak Island’s next Town Manager and grateful for the opportunity to become part of such a welcoming community. I look forward to working alongside the Town Council, staff, and community members to build on the Town’s strengths and advance its goals and priorities. My family and I are excited to make Oak Island our home, and I look forward to getting to know the people who make this community so special.”
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