BENSON – During its regular Oct. 11 meeting, the Benson Board of Commissioners approved the contract for a new Town Manager.
Following a months-long search aided by an independent firm specializing in government employment , the Board narrowed its list down to three top candidates ultimately choosing Interim Town Manager Kim Pickett to fill the role.
Mrs. Pickett was chosen for her knowledge of Benson, her rapport with employees, and her extensive financial background, among other qualities, explained Mayor Medlin.
“Kim has been in Benson for eight years now and in that time she has fulfilled many roles,” he explained. “The Board liked that versatility and her experience in finance, which is an important part of the Town Manager’s job when it comes time to draft a new budget each year.”
Mrs. Pickett started her professional career in banking in the mid-2000s before moving to a customer service job in the Town of Selma in 2010. Four years later, she was hired by Benson as a supervisor for the town’s Finance Department.
From there, she was promoted to Finance Director in 2016, Assistant Town Manager in 2018, and Interim Town Manager in March of 2022 following the resignation of then-Town Manager Fred Nelson.
“Kim is passionate about Benson and it shows,” said Mayor Medlin. “Since she was hired, she has furthered her education through the town and she did that because she wanted to learn the ins and outs of what makes a town grow and thrive.”
Mrs. Pickett obtained her Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management from the University of North Carolina Pembroke in 2020. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration from East Carolina University.
“When the opportunity came up to apply, I knew I had to do it,” she said this week. “I love Benson and I love the people I work with. They are a wonderful team that I have got to know very well.”
On Oct. 11, Benson Commissioners went into a closed session to discuss the particulars of Mrs. Pickett’s contract. After going back into open session to vote, they approved a five-year contract with an annual salary of $110,000.
“I’m excited about being a part of moving Benson forward and guiding us into the future. We want to preserve our small town heart, but we know there is a lot of growth coming to our area and we have to prepare for that in smart way,” continued Mrs. Pickett.
“I’m fully confident in our team and I’m excited for what the future holds for Benson,” she added.
Mrs. Pickett’s first official day as Town Manager of Benson was Monday, Oct. 17.
