Terry Mann

Title: Mayor

Municipality: City of Whiteville

Position Interested In: District Representative - District 3

Tell us why you would like to serve in a leadership position at the League. In particular, specify goals you would like to accomplish as an officer or board member and indicate how, if attained, they will help to achieve Vision 2030 – the League’s future vision of how cities and towns will operate in 2030.

I previously served on the NCLM League Board from 2015-2019 as an at-large representative. During this time I was involved in the process of Vision 2030. I am pleased at the progress the League has made since then and can truly say it is a much better organization. I am interested in seeing the continued progress on the the plan that was established. As I complete this current two year term on the board I realize the advancements that have been made. Educational offerings, leadership training opportunities, relations with our legislative representatives, and communication/assistance to our members. These improvements help strengthen several pillars addressed in our 2030 plan. In the last several months I am extremely proud of the League’s work with the smaller municipalities that suffer from financial problems. The soft wear programs and having our staff in the field to offer assistance strengthens our value to some of our most vulnerable members. I am also interested and committed to seeing that the League’s Risk Management Program remains strong and help share the value of this program to the League’s membership.

Tell us about your experience as a municipal official. You may want to include information on your service on the municipal governing body, other related boards and special areas of interest.

My municipal experience started in 2005 when I was elected to a four year term on Whiteville’s City Council. Near the end of that term I was dissatisfied with some philosophy and I decided to run for Mayor. I was elected in 2013 and I am serving my sixth 2 year term. I currently serve as Vice Chairman of the Cape Fear Council of Government’s RPO. I was one of the founding members of the Eastern North Carolina Recovery and Resilience Alliance formed 2020 after the flooding of Mathew and Florence. As stated earlier I served on the League’s Board from 2015-2019 ( extra months because of a change in City Vision dates). Member of NC Mayors Association. Serving on the RPO I have a strong interest in transportation issues as well as planning and zoning.

Tell us about your educational background, professional experience, and/or community or civic activities.

I graduated from Whiteville High School. Graduate of East Carolina University with a BA in Political Science.

Member of Beth Israel Synagogue and Past President, Third generation member of the Whiteville Rotary Club and Past President. Southeastern Community College Foundation member and Past President. Current board member of Columbus County Chamber and Tourism and Past President. Third generation recipient of the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award. Member of Cape Fear Council B.S.A. Executive Board and treasurer of local Scout Troop 512. Current Chairman of the Columbus County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

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Have You Participated in Any NCLM Events or Committees?

CityVision Annual Conference
Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process
Regional Meetings
Legislative Lobby Days
Legislative Policy Committee

Please provide any other information you would like the Nominations Committee to consider.

I realize there may be candidates that may have applied for this Board seat that may have taken courses through the School of Government. My first 15 years in local government I was running a small business and just didn’t have the time to travel and take such courses. In recent years after COVID I have been able to take advantage of numerous courses virtually that the League has offered. I also attend most regional and other meetings the League offers. I attend other numerous meetings throughout our region that I feel would make me a good representative of District 3 and will be an avid spokesperson for the League.