In a 4-3 vote, the Henderson City Council Monday selected Hassan Kingsberry – the interim city attorney – to be the new city manager.
Mayor Melissa Elliott called the second special called meeting in as many weeks to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.
When the group returned from the closed session, Council member Tami Walker made a motion to make Kingsberry the city manager.
Voting in favor were Walker, Geraldine Champion, Ola Thorpe-Cooper and Michael Venable. Council members Garry Daeke, Lamont Noel and Seifert voted against. Council member Sara Coffey was not present.
Following the first special called meeting on Sunday, Dec. 15, it was announced that City Manager Terrell Blackmon had resigned, effective Jan. 10.
Kingsberry was announced as the interim city attorney at the December Council meeting.
Apparently, the City Council will extend the job offer of city manager to Kingsberry. If he accepts the position, the City will need to locate another attorney.
The Public Notice for the Dec. 23 called meeting went out Dec. 16 the day after the first called meeting.
Blackmon submitted his letter of resignation on Wednesday, Dec. 11 – two days after the regular monthly Council meeting. He didn’t elaborate on any reason for his decision to resign. Blackmon told WIZS that his last day as manager will be Jan. 10. He came to work as manager in 2020.
He will go next to be one of two assistant city managers in Jacksonville, NC.
