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The Duck Town Council voted unanimously last week to appoint Drew Havens as the new town manager starting February 15, 2021. Havens brings over 20 years of municipal management experience, most recently with the Town of Apex.

The council contracted with Developmental Associates of Chapel Hill to conduct the search to fill the manager vacancy. The firm narrowed the field of candidates through preliminary interviews and assessments, sharing their findings with the council members as the process progressed. In December, the council conducted interviews and the final selection step. Mayor Don Kingston addressed the decision, saying “the council conducted an extensive search process starting in August of last year, reviewing and deliberating on numerous well-qualified candidates. Drew was selected for his leadership capabilities, outstanding qualifications and experiences.”

“On behalf of the entire Duck Town Council, I would like to congratulate Drew Havens on becoming our town manager and welcome him to the Town of Duck,” said Kingston. “We look forward to working closely with Drew and introducing him to all of the citizens of Duck.”

Havens graduated from Syracuse University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts with a political science concentration. He received his Master of Public Administration in 2009 from Walden University in Minneapolis. In addition to municipal management experience in small and large towns, Havens had an early career in public safety as a police officer and firefighter.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to work with the mayor, council and a great group of professional staff members to continue to provide a high level of quality service to those who live in and visit Duck,” said Havens. “I look forward to meeting those I serve and working in this organization that values transparency and collaboration, and with co-workers who are empowered to carry out the vision established by the community.”

Havens fills the position vacated by the resignation of former town manager Christopher Layton. Kingston recognized director of community development Joe Heard “for the leadership he has provided to the town as interim town manager over the past seven months.”

Havens will be in attendance for the council retreat scheduled for February 17 and 18. The retreat will be livestreamed for the public and will include chances to engage remotely with staff and council members. The town will offer additional virtual opportunities to meet Havens in the coming months.

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