HICKORY, NC (January 3, 2017)…Hickory City Council announced during their January 3 meeting that Warren Wood has been hired as the city’s new city manager. Wood will begin working for the city on April 10, after completing his role as Town Manager in Waxhaw, NC.
Wood has served as town manager of Waxhaw since March of 2015 and was previously with the City of Hickory for 22 years, working in a variety of professional and management positions. His final position in Hickory, before moving to Waxhaw, was Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the City’s Administrative Services, Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, as well as budget development and budget administration.
“We are delighted to welcome Warren back,” said Mayor Rudy Wright. “We almost feel this was destiny and we’re pleased he will be bringing back the skills that he learned here and in Waxhaw to benefit the citizens of Hickory, where he grew up.”
A native of Hickory, Wood began his career as Town Manager of Badin, North Carolina in 1991 before beginning work for the City of Hickory in 1993. In Hickory, he worked as Purchasing Agent, Human Resources Director, Director of Administration and Budget, and ultimately, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer.
Wood managed the Town of Waxhaw’s organization, during a time of tremendous population growth and development. He led Waxhaw’s staff to achieve the vision and goals put forth by the Waxhaw Town Board, expanding his fiscal and operational municipal management expertise.
“My family and I are so excited about coming back home to Hickory,” said Wood. “From a professional perspective, I am honored that City Council offered me this opportunity during such an exciting time for the city with the implementation of the various bond projects. Also, it is especially meaningful to me to be able to serve the citizens of my hometown as their city manager. I view this opportunity as so much more than just my next career move.”
Wood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Administration degree from Appalachian State University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Municipal Administration Course at the UNC School of Government, an ICMA Credentialed Manager, and holds a North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Certification.
Wood is married to Dr. Amy Browder Wood, who is Assistant Provost and Dean of Graduate and Adult Education at Lenoir-Rhyne University. They are the parents of three children; Gracyn 18, Isabelle 14, and Turner 11.