WINDSOR—When Michael Stallings was hired as Windsor’s planning official in 2006, he didn’t expect to be named town manager.

The Town Council recently appointed Stallings to the position; he assumed his duties April 1.

“I did not expect my work to take this direction,” Stallings said. “But I’m very pleased that it turned out this way.”

He says he is looking forward to working with council and residents.

“My door will always be open for residents’ visits,” Stallings said, “And I will return all phone calls as soon as I can.”

“I’ve found that there is a broader range in being a town manager than there is in being a city or county manager,” he continued. “Here, for instance, the town manager’s office is involved in everything from collecting taxes to overseeing the water system. Cities and counties often have other personnel for these departments.

“But I think this is a good thing,” Stallings said. “It doesn’t hurt to be on top of all aspects of the town government.”

A graduate of Radford University with a bachelor’s in planning, Stallings was hired as Windsor’s planning official right out of college.

During the next four years, the 27-year-old was named assistant zoning administrator, zoning administrator and planning and zoning administrator and assistant town manager.

As the assistant, he worked closely with the manager and became familiar with many of his duties.

The town manager resigned and John Rowe was named interim manager.

Stallings trained in an apprentice program under the direction of Rowe, while serving as zoning and planning administrator.

“This is a win-win situation for Michael and a win-win situation for Windsor,” said Councilman Wesley Garris.

Stallings and his wife, Dana, have a daughter, Brooklyn, 1, and expect a second child in June. They live in Isle of Wight County.