As Southport begins search for new city manager, community rallies around outgoing leader
Southport’s city manager is set to leave the role at the expiry of her contract in June, and as the city looks to hire a new top official, residents are hoping to convince the outgoing leader to stick around.
Bonnie Therrien was named interim city manager in Southport in November 2022 to replace exiting city manager Gordon Hargrove. She was then offered the city manager position, which she accepted, signing a contract with the city to remain in the role from Jan. 17, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
At the time, the city announced Therrien had been chosen for the position based on her “years of experience in municipal government,” which included 13 years at the helm of towns in Connecticut and a total of 30 years in municipal government roles.
At the March 4 meeting of the Southport Board of Aldermen, residents showed up to voice their desire for Therrien to remain in her position. Southport resident Ginny Prunty spoke during the public comment section of the meeting, expressing thanks on behalf of many other city residents.
“Since her short time here, she’s created sound and effective business practices, policies and procedures,” Prunty said.
Prunty started an online petition in late February, urging Therrien to extend her current contract beyond June. The petition has received nearly 200 signatures of support.
“Bonnie, you are without a doubt a godsend to this little town, your leadership is, indeed, desperately needed,” Prunty read from the petition’s comment section.
At the March meeting, Prunty presented a Therrien with a bouquet of flowers and several cards from community groups urging her to extend her contract. The public display garnered tears from Therrien.
Hiring a manager for a city or town is no small feat. By the March 11 deadline for the opening position, the city received 47 applications, Therrien said at the board's March 14 meeting. Of those, she said, some 24 had been assistant managers or managers in other municipalities.
Therrien said there were some “definite ‘yeses’” in that group, and she identified seven resumes she recommended the board consider.
“The only thing I want to tell you guys … finding a city manager is not easy,” she said. “You need to move fast. You could wait one week and you’ve lost the best.”
The board ultimately decided it would consider those seven applications first, and Therrien advised they move quickly. A special closed session meeting was held on March 22 to consider applications.
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Therrien’s contract is set to expire on June 30, 2024.
Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter/X @jameybcross.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Southport is searching for a new city manager. Here’s what to know.
