By Dunn Daily Record
DUNN – Billy Godwin will join the official Dunn ranks as its new assistant city manager starting Sept. 11, according to an announcement from City Manager Steven Neuschafer.
“Billy is a native of Dunn and has worked in and around local government for years, including a term as city council member in Ward 5,” Neuschafer shared in the release. “His main responsibilities will include oversight of select departments and project management and serving as a key member of the management team overseeing the city’s annual budget.”
The announcement comes almost three months after Dunn lost its interim City Manager and former Assistant City Manager Matthew Boone, who died of a heart attack on June 7 at the age of 40. Neuschafer returned to his former post of city manager after Boone’s sudden death.
At this announcement, Neuschafer stated, “The business of local government does not stop, and some of the services we provide are often 24/7. The loss of Mr. Boone is still heavy on our hearts here at City Hall. However, operations continue and Billy’s interest in working for the city is exciting.
“I know he is going to be a great addition to the team,” Neuschafer said.
Godwin is a graduate of Dunn High School and East Carolina University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. In 1986, he graduated with his juris doctor degree from the Campbell University School of Law. He has been licensed to practice law in the state ever since and is also a member of the North Carolina State Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Godwin served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer for the U.S. Navy between 1986 and 1990. He worked in the Office of North Carolina Attorney General from 1990 to 1993 and had a private law practice in Dunn between 1993 and 2016. He served as Dunn’s city attorney from 1995 to 2002.
He began work as a staff attorney for the North Carolina General Assembly in 2016.
Godwin served one term as a Dunn city councilman from 2003 to 2007. He is an elder of the First Presbyterian Church, a board member of the Harnett Regional Theatre and a founding board member of the Averasboro Battlefield Commission.
Godwin is married to Lynn Tart Godwin, also of Dunn. They have four daughters and one granddaughter.
“I am excited to once again be working in my hometown of Dunn and am thankful to City Manager Steve Neuschafer for giving me the opportunity to work with him, the mayor, city council, and all the city staff and employees to keep our All America City on its prosperous path,” Godwin said.
