Smithfield Begins Planning For Town Manager Transition

SMITHFIELD — The Smithfield Town Council has begun shaping the process to hire the town’s next manager following the announced retirement of Town Manager Michael Scott, who plans to step down on Feb. 1, 2026.

During the council’s regular meeting on Dec. 16, Human Resources Director Shannan Parrish asked council members to provide direction on how they would like to conduct the search. Parrish outlined two options: hiring an external search firm, at an estimated cost of $20,000 to $30,000, or managing the recruitment process internally.

After extended discussion, council members reached a consensus to retain an outside firm, while emphasizing that public engagement should be a key component of the selection process.

“Besides the budget, having the right town manager in place is one of the most important things we do,” Councilman Travis Scott said, noting the long-term impact the position has on town operations and strategic direction.

Councilman Roger Wood echoed that sentiment, stressing the importance of involving the community as the council moves forward with the search.

Mayor Pro Tem Sloan Stevens said the council does not feel rushed to fill the position, pointing to the recent hiring of Assistant Town Manager Kimberly Pickett earlier this year in a newly created role. Stevens suggested the council focus first on completing the town’s next fiscal year budget, which must be finalized by June 30, 2026.

Under the tentative timeline discussed, the external search firm would begin work in the spring, allowing the council to start interviewing candidates as early as July 2026. The council reached unanimous agreement on that general approach.

Parrish told the council that the cost of the search firm could be covered using savings from the current town manager’s salary following Scott’s retirement. A budget amendment will be required at a later date to formally appropriate the funds.