Matt Poole Selected For Assistant Town Manager Position

GARNER – The Town of Garner is excited to announce that it will be welcoming a familiar face to join its senior leadership team starting today (March 3).

Retired Garner Fire-Rescue Chief Matt Poole will be coming on board with the Town as an assistant town manager. He brings three decades of leadership experience with Garner Fire-Rescue, including the last 15 years serving as chief.

“Matt will be a great addition to our talented team,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said. “He brings extensive executive level experience, strong communication skills, proven success in strategic planning and performance measurement, and a love of Garner to the management team.”

During Mr. Poole’s time as fire chief, he led Garner Fire-Rescue to International Fire Service Accreditation as well as a coveted ISO Class One rating. The agency grew under Mr. Poole’s leadership from a staff of 36 and three stations to almost 90 employees, five stations and an administrative building.

“It’s been an honor to serve this community as fire chief, and now, as I transition to the role of assistant town manager, I’m more energized than ever to keep contributing,” Mr. Poole said. “This town has always been home, and I’m excited to be able to help in new ways. I can’t wait to continue working with all of you to make our community even stronger and more connected.”

Mr. Poole holds an associate degree in fire science from Wilson Technical Community College and a bachelor’s in business leadership and management from William Peace University. In 2020, he was recognized as William Peace University’s Alumni of the Year.

Mr. Poole is a past president of the Wake County Association of Fire Chiefs and served two terms on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Program Planning Committee. He currently serves as the Wake County Fire Commission Budget Chair.

In addition, Mr. Poole is an instructor for the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Executive Development Program and teaches North Carolina Executive Fire Officer III.

Mr. Poole has been active in the Garner community for many years. He was past president of the Rotary Club of Garner and has coached for Garner Baseball Inc. He also is past president of the Garner Magnet High School Public Safety Advisory Board.

Stepping into the assistant town manager position with the Town is the next chapter in Mr. Poole’s history of service to the community.

“I’m excited to accept this new role as assistant town manager and continue working alongside Town staff,” Mr. Poole said. “Serving this community has meant everything to me, and it’s been a true privilege to be a part of something so special. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves, working together and making our town an even better place to live.”