who’s who
in town & county government MEET PITTSBORO’S NEW TOWN MANAGER BY BEN CROSBIE
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PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
onathan Franklin, a native of Climax, North Carolina, has 12 years of government experience across the state. His first role was serving as the town manager of Maysville, followed by town administrator in Louisburg and later as a city manager in Newton. Jonathan, 37, holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from East Carolina University, a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Mount Olive. The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners unanimously selected him to serve as the town’s new manager, the role that oversees city administration and government operations. On May 1, Jonathan officially assumed the role, carrying with him a wealth of wisdom and a dedication to serving his community. 36
CHATHAM MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
Jonathan Franklin is dedicated to helping Pittsboro succeed.
What motivated you to pursue this position? On a personal level, why is it important to you? I was born and raised
right down the road, so for me, this was basically a homecoming. Was there anything in particular that made you want to come home now?
I think you get to a certain age and that kind of becomes more of a priority. My parents are retired, so being able to get back home to spend more time with them was a key point. From a professional standpoint, I enjoy small town management a lot more. Has it been what you’d hoped for so far, professionally and personally? Pittsboro
is the fourth town I’ve worked in, but it’s the first where every single person – I’m not kidding, every single person, including my parents and mother-in-law