Selma Names McDaniel Permanent Town Manager

SELMA, N.C. — The Selma Town Council voted 4-1 on June 4 to hire Phillip McDaniel as the town’s next manager, selecting the longtime fire chief and interim manager to lead the town on a permanent basis.

A lifelong Selma resident, McDaniel has served as the town’s fire chief since 2007 and has held stints as interim town manager since 2023. He most recently stepped into the role following the resignation of former Town Manager Alexis Carter in January 2026.

Town leaders said McDaniel’s experience, familiarity with municipal operations and longstanding service to the community made him a strong candidate for the position.

Councilmember Susan Watson cast the lone dissenting vote against McDaniel’s appointment.

In a statement following his selection, McDaniel said he is eager to begin the role and believes his longstanding ties to the community have prepared him for the position.

“I am very excited to assume the duties as Selma’s next Town Manager,” McDaniel said. “I feel my long relationship with the Town of Selma has uniquely prepared me for this position.”

McDaniel has lived in Selma for 51 years and has worked for the town for more than 18 years. During that time, he has witnessed both challenges and successes and believes the town is positioned for continued growth.

“The planning and forethought of the Council and staff over the past few years has this Town prepared for the booming growth we are currently experiencing,” he said.

McDaniel pointed to the Selma Fire Department as one of his proudest accomplishments during his tenure with the town.

“My proudest accomplishment in Selma is the excellent service the firefighters of Selma provide,” McDaniel said. “Their dedication to the emergency operations provided to our citizens is second to none.”

He said his experiences serving as deputy town manager and interim town manager helped broaden his understanding of municipal government and sparked an interest in areas including infrastructure, economic development, project management and community improvements.

“I look forward to continuing to carry out the goals of Selma’s Town Council of supporting public safety, improving our aging infrastructure, strong code enforcement, and relentlessly pursuing every department’s improvement,” McDaniel said.

“I appreciate the Council, Staff, and Citizens support as we enter this next chapter together to continue the rich history and bright future of Selma,” he said.

As McDaniel transitions into the town manager role, the Selma Fire Department will begin the process of selecting its next chief.

Assistant Fire Chief Brannan Barbee will serve as interim fire chief effective July 1 until a permanent replacement is hired.

McDaniel’s first day as permanent town manager will be July 1.