Charlotte native hired as Cramerton's town manager
Cramerton's new town manager is a native of Charlotte who has most recently worked as a town manager in Tryon, NC, a town southeast of Hendersonville near the South Carolina border.
Zach Ollis, a 36-year-old graduate of Appalachian State University, said that he feels drawn to Cramerton's small-town feel.
"I wouldn't leave Tryon for just anything, but Cramerton definitely has that to offer," he said.
Ollis is originally from southwest Charlotte -- the Arrowood Road area -- and he says he sees potential in Cramerton.
"The reason for me being interested in Cramerton, is one, it's got so much potential, and that's not saying that it's not there already. But you see the growth, it's coming, how eastern Gaston County is kind of exploding at this point," he said. "They've already put so much time and effort into things like Goat Island and making it a destination for families that I think there's a lot of potential to continue that trajectory."
Ollis' first job as a town manager was in Wilson's Mills, a town near Raleigh, where he started in 2014.
During his time in Wilson's Mills, Ollis led the implementation of a sewer project that brought that service to people who didn't have it, including some who had bad septic systems.
"Before I left Wilson's Mills, I realized it's in my blood. It's what I want to do for the rest of my life, do these projects and make a place a better place to live," Ollis said.
Ollis also helped to develop Tryon's downtown, making it more walkable and accessible to people with disabilities.
He also spearheaded large park expansions, including the installation of a mountain climbing park and a dark park, and he worked to complete a restoration project to reshape the Pacolet River and preserve the riverbank.
"I've always been very proud of some of the accomplishments that I've done that's been related to any kind of parks, or any kind of thing that improves the look of things," he said. "I think Cramerton has got that mindset with the board (of commissioners). They want to keep everything moving in a positive direction."
Ollis will start with the town of Cramerton on Jan. 2 at a salary of $122,500. He replaces David Pugh, who resigned in August after working for the town for seven years. Josh Watkins, who has been acting as the town's interim town manager, will now be the assistant town manager, in addition to his role as the planning and zoning director.
Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 704-869-1850 or at kfohner@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Charlotte native, Tryon town manager hired as Cramerton town manager
