Owens
Franklin’s new town manager, Amie Owens, began work on Monday, Sept. 13, just in time for a meeting about the town’s proposed skate park that evening. She’s also coming on board just before an election this fall that will elect a new mayor and five people are running for the three available town council seats.
Owens, a native of Haywood County served as assistant town manager in Altavista, Virginia, since September 2020 and was responsible for operations, capital improvement planning, transit and risk management. Prior to moving to Altavista, she was assistant town manager in Waynesville from 2016-2020.
Having worked in local government in Western North Carolina since 2012, she knew management positions in the area did not come open very often, so she saw the opportunity in Franklin as a chance to return home.
“There’s just something about the mountains of Western North Carolina; you can’t live anywhere else and not miss it,” she said.
Owens worked 17 years in the healthcare field before beginning her career in local government in 2012. In Haywood County, she served as executive assistant to the county manager/deputy clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, then in 2014 became town clerk for the Town of Waynesville and served as administrative services director before being promoted to assistant town manager.
“I’m so glad we got Amie,” said Mayor Bob Scott. On one hand it makes me sad to be leaving as mayor because I know she is very, very competent, but on the other hand, I know it’s in good hands. And, I’m delighted she’s local.”
Scott is not running for re-election in November, and Vice Mayor Jack Horton is running opposed to fill the mayor’s seat. Horton said Owens has the technical skills and experience needed in the town manger’s position, and just has important will be her people skills.
“She has the personality to be able to work with people and get things done,” he said. “We’re in the people business.” Horton said Owens’ ability to work with employees, the public and elected officials will be a big part of her role as town manager.
As Franklin’s town manager she will be responsible for the day-to day operations of the town and its 57 full-time employees.
“I understand employees are your greatest asset,” Owens said. In her role as town manager, she said she wants her new colleagues to know she is a team player. “I don’t expect anybody to do anything that I would not do myself.” She also knows how in small organizations, co-workers become like family. “I look forward to expanding my family and getting to know everyone.”
One of her first tasks will be the hiring of a code enforcement officer, a new position that was added to the budget this year. Scott said the town also needs to review and update some of its ordinances. “Franklin is no longer just a very, small town,” he said. “Big changes are underway.” He said prioritizing how the town will spend the Recovery Act funds it received due to the pandemic will also be a big decision facing Owens and the Town Council.
Owens will likely be involved with the development of the skate park planned for the Whitmire property in East Franklin. Horton said Owens will also work with Staff Planner Justin Setser (who served as interim town manager) and the town Planning Board on carrying out the town’s development plan, which will include an increased demand for water and sewer as the city grows.
As she gets settled into her new job, Owens wants to learn more about the Town Council’s priorities and “making sure that we are following the path that we set.”
She said knowing Western North Carolina and being familiar with what it means to be in a mountain town will benefit her in the job. “Having that hospitality and friendly mentality that mountain towns have,” she said. “Just being able to continue showing that side of Franklin.”
She said one of her strengths is understanding the importance of balancing housing needs and attracting new businesses and how that can be a struggle in small towns.
Horton said Owens’ experience working with downtown Waynesville organizations will be an asset as well. “She is familiar with the issues facing downtown merchants and attracting more businesses and growth.”
Owens replaces Summer Woodard who resigned in April to accept a job as city manager in Reidsville. The town hired the consulting firm Developmental Associates to lead the search for a new town manager. The council approved the contract for Owens at its Sept. 7 meeting.
Owens graduated from Western Carolina University in 2015 with a master’s degree in public affairs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Montreat College. She received additional training through the University of North Carolina School of Government Municipal and County Administration Course, Leadership Haywood, and Empowering Women in Public Service. She earned the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional designation in 2019.
While at Western, she was recognized as the 2015 Western Carolina University MPS Student of the Year. She is a member of the International City and County Managers Association, WNC City and County Managers Association, Association of Local Government Catamounts and serves as a board member of the Selective Service Board for North Carolina.
When she’s off the clock, Owens enjoys hiking, walking the Greenway trails, she’s a big Disney fan, and enjoys being out and about getting to know more about her new community.
“I’m excited to be here and know that Franklin is poised to do some tremendous things in the next five to 10 years, and I look forward to being a part of that.”