By Maggie Cagney
Carrboro Commons Staff Writer

For David Andrews, Carrboro‘s progressive community and creative economy are only a few of the reasons why the position as town manager appealed to him.

David Andrews, who was appointed Carrboro’s new town manager Feb. 7, is currently assistant town manager and finance director at the town of Paradise Valley, Ariz. He will begin his work for Carrboro no later than March 15. (Photo by Felicia Gutierrez)

“I’m extremely excited,” Andrews says. “This is a great opportunity for me, and I’m very impressed with the mayor and the Carrboro Board of Aldermenand how progressive they are, as well as the community.”

Andrews, 52, is currently assistant town manager and finance director for the town of Paradise Valley, Ariz. He says he and his wife, Salette, will move to Carrboro and begin his work as new town manager no later than March 15.

The board announced their decision to appoint Andrews as new town manager at their Feb. 7 meeting, according to a news release from the town of Carrboro.

Andrews says he has worked in local government for more than 20 years.

And many town officials believe Andrews will make a strong community leader, including Mayor Mark Chilton.

“In terms of level of experience and having worked in local government for more than 20 years, he was a really outstanding [candidate],” Chilton says.

“He seems very sincere and has a great deal of leadership.”

Andrews says he has always had a strong interest in local government. He has spent his career as town manager, assistant town manager and finance director for two municipalities in Arizona, according to the news release.

Andrews attended The University of Arizona in Tucson, where he earned his master’s degree in public administration and developed a general background in local government.

“I love what I do, and I enjoy my career,” Andrews says. “I have dealt with numerous issues, including finances, land use and economic development.”

And Chilton says Andrews will have to tackle certain challenges the town faces as soon as he arrives.

“We’re going to have to adopt a budget for fiscal year 2012-13 by late spring,” Chilton says. “The current town staff has been drafting a budget, which is usually a three- to four-month process, so Andrews will have to come in here head-first.”

Which is exactly what Andrews is planning on doing.

“I have been keeping up with some of the current issues of the town, and I’m ready to get to Carrboro and get started,” Andrews says. “I know there’s a lot to do.”

Andrews says he wants to meet with the mayor, the Carrboro Board of Aldermen and other community leaders when he first arrives.

“I want to find out what the concerns, goals and desires of the community are and work with them to achieve the collective vision,” he says.

Andrews says he and his wife Salette expect to move into their Carrboro townhome at the beginning of March.

He says he is excited that Carrboro is close to Chapel Hill, UNC-Chapel Hill and the Triangle area, and he believes these communities do an excellent job of cooperating with one another.

“I think there is a lot of community interest and participation,” he says.

Andrews isn’t the only one eager about the move — he says his three grown-up children are excited about the Carrboro and Chapel Hill area.

“They’ve done some research on Carrboro, and they are ready to come and visit,” he says.

Andrews says the Carrboro community has already reached out to him — another reason he is ready to begin his work.

“I know Carrboro has such a strong sense of community — You can just feel it,” he says.

“People have reached out and welcomed me already, and I am really appreciative of this opportunity.”

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