On Tuesday, Maiden Mayor Bob Smyre announced William “Todd” Herms will be the new town manager beginning July 7.

“I think he’s what we’re hunting,” Smyre said.  “He’s pretty young, but he’s got experience.  He just knows town hall business.”

After reviewing about 40 applications from people all over the state and outside it, only two made it to the final interview process.

Smyre said he was most impressed by Herms’ finance, accounting and planning experience, which he has acquired as town manager of Badin for the past two years.

He will be moving to Maiden with his wife Melissa and their 10-month-old daughter, Madison Paige as soon as he fulfills his commitment to Badin through June 27.

Herms said he is excited about getting to know the community and the people in Maiden.

“I am a very people-oriented person,” he said.  “I like dealing with the public.”

He added later, “I’ve heard they are very friendly people with their feet firmly planted on the ground.”

Herms holds a master’s degree in public affairs and business administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Carolina University.  Herms has received a certificate in municipal administration from the University of North Carolina School of Government.

While he was completing his (master’s) degree, he was an intern for the city of Asheville.

As Badin town manager, Herms helped the town get selected to participate in the small town main street program.  The N.C. Department of Commerce program focuses on economic restructuring of downtown areas through organizational development, market analysis, business assistance, promotions and design.

“I’m looking for a new challenge professionally,” Herms said.

He said Maiden is an appealing location for him because he and his wife have family living in Gastonia and Shelby.  Herms said he also likes the educational opportunities that are available for his daughter as she gets older.

He said his wife, a registered nurse at Stanly Memorial Hospital, was also interested in the healthcare opportunities available in Catawba County.

“Everything we’ve heard about Maiden, went hand in hand with what we want to accomplish.

The avid outdoorsman in him was also attracted to the town’s proximity to lakes for fishing and hunting opportunities.

“It’s not the flatlands and it’s not the mountains,” he said.  “Geographically speaking, you can’t get any better.  I also like going to high school football games, so Maiden is perfect for that.”

He said later, “I love to have a good time. I love joking around and having good clean fun.”

Smyre believes Herms will bring a lot of Maiden and help the town progress.

“We’re hoping he brings a good new perspective and leads us in the right direction,” Smyre said.

“I am very excited about the opportunity,” Herms said.  “I look forward to meeting with council members and to continue to make Maiden a good place to work, live and worship.”