BY CAL BRYANT/ROANOKE-CHOWAN NEWS-HERALD

Cal.bryant@r-cnews.com

GATESVILLE, N.C.—A two-hour reception was held Tuesday for former Southampton County Assistant Administrator Jon Mendenall, who is the new manager for Gates County.

“I really appreciate everyone coming out tonight,” said Mendenhall. “I look forward to working here in Gates County, serving you, the citizens. We’re all in this together and that’s important to each one of us as we all work towards a common goal of benefitting every single resident of this county.”

Henry Jordan, chairman for the board of commissioners, said he was glad to have Mendenhall on board.

“He brings a lot to the table, and we’re proud to have him as our new county manager,” Jordan said.

The event also was held to say farewell to interim County Manager Kenneth Windley. He was hired by the commissioners in November following the departure of former County Manager Toby Chappell, who took a similar job in Greenwood County, S.C.

Mendenhall said that although his time spent with Windley was short, he learned a lot from the veteran administrator.

“I thank Ken for shepherding me through this period of transition,” Mendenhall said. “It’s been a whirlwind tour, but a positive one as I learned a lot from him over a short period of time.”

A native of High Point, N.C., Mendenhall served as director of engineering services for Albemarle, N.C., planning director for Tift County, Ga., and county planner for Stanly County, N.C.

His first day on the job in Gates County was Jan. 14.