Former Benson Town Manager Keith Langdon Returns As Interim

BENSON — Former Benson Town Manager Keith Langdon is returning to Town Hall, more than 15 years after retiring, to serve as interim manager while the town searches for a permanent replacement.

The Benson Board of Commissioners selected Langdon following a closed session Tuesday night.

He will begin Monday, Oct. 19, working through a transition with current Interim Town Manager Tanner O’Quin, who will return full-time to his regular position as planning director next week.

Langdon retired from Benson in 2010 after nearly 25 years as town manager.
His return comes as Benson continues dealing with financial challenges and another change in leadership at Town Hall.

“We always tried to stay on top of things and made sure we had a sound budget,” Langdon said of his previous years leading Benson. “We had our reserves and there were a couple of tight years, but we always overcame it and we had good reserves when I left.”

Langdon said getting a handle on Benson’s finances will be one of his first priorities.

“I just plan on doing some evaluating and to familiarize myself with things,” he explained. “I want to help us get through this situation till we get a full time manager. One of my main focuses of course will be the budget. I have worked with budgets — not just with the town — but with the Lions Club, the American Legion and lots of boards over the years,” he said.

Langdon said he also plans to emphasize how residents are treated when they deal with Town Hall.

“Another focus is going to be customer service,” added Mr. Langdon. “The taxpayer is paying our salaries and they expect good customer service when they need it. I think it’s important that we work that way.”

Mayor Max Raynor welcomed Langdon’s return.

“Keith was a levelheaded, competent town manager when he was in that role here before and he loves Benson. We are lucky he has stepped in at this time and he will be a great leader for the town staff,” Raynor said.

Commissioners also accepted O’Quin’s resignation from the interim manager position Tuesday night.

O’Quin, who has served as interim manager for about four months, told commissioners he appreciated their support during his time in the position.

“They have provided thoughtful guidance, support, and shown me tremendous amounts of grace. I have tried my best to reciprocate that to both the town staff and to the people of Benson,” O’Quin said.

“While we still have many obstacles to overcome, I am confident that we have laid the foundation to becoming the best version of our town that we can. I will still be here to serve as your Planning Director and assist the transition of leadership in any way possible. I will forever be grateful to the people of Benson for allowing me the opportunity to lead,” he added.

O’Quin was appointed interim manager in June after the resignation of Dane Rideout, who had been hired as Benson’s permanent manager in November 2025.
Rideout resigned in May after about six months on the job.

Before Rideout was hired, veteran municipal administrator Steve Harrell served as interim manager following the departure of Kim Pickett, who left Benson in June 2025 to become assistant town manager in Smithfield.

With Langdon now taking over, commissioners have also started another search for a permanent manager.

Benson is again working with Central Pines Regional Council.

Lee Worsley with Central Pines told commissioners Tuesday that, if the tentative schedule holds, the board could vote on a candidate in January 2027.

A new manager could begin work in February, although the start date could extend into late March or early April depending on the search process, scheduling and the upcoming holidays.