HAMLET — While the Seaboard City searches for a new city manager, Mackenzie Webb has been given a temporary promotion.
Webb was appointed acting city manager following the Hamlet City Council’s meeting on June 9, according to a press release issued June 17.
Webb, a native of Hamlet, was initially hired as city planner in 2023 after earning both a bachelor’s degree and Master of Public Policy from UNC-Chapel Hill, according to the release, which states that she “quickly demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to public service.”
In August of 2024, Webb was promoted to assistant city manager under then-manager Matthew Christian.
The release states that Webb “has played a key role in advancing community development initiatives, supporting municipal operations, and helping implement the City's strategic priorities.”
As acting manager, Webb’s responsibilities will be to oversee the day-to-day operations of the city, as well as work with the council, staff, residents and community partners “to advance the goals and vision of Hamlet, the release states.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to serve the community that has always been home to me," Webb said in the release. “Over the past three years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated employees and community partners, and I am grateful for the relationships we have built and the accomplishments we have achieved together.
“I appreciate the trust (the) City Council has placed in me during this transition and I am excited to help continue building a strong future for the City of Hamlet.”
Mayor Amy Guinn said Webb has “been an invaluable member” of the city’s leadership team and is “confident she will serve our community well.”
“Mackenzie has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong dedication to the City of Hamlet and its residents,” Guinn said in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with her as we continue moving Hamlet forward.”
The press release gave no timeline on selecting a permanent city manager.
Hamlet has been through four managers in the past 12 years, following the resignation of Marchell Adams-David, who is now city manager of Raleigh.
Marcus Abernethy held the post for more than two years, leaving in January of 2017 to be the town manager of Mocksville. According to his LinkedIn page, Abernethy has been a business services consultant for the N.C. League of Municipalities since 2020.
Succeeding Abernethy in 2017 was Jonthan Blanton, who had initially announced his resignation in April 2019 to take a job at UNC-Charlotte as director of business affairs. However, after staying on as interim manager, he was re-hired several months later at $90,000 per year.
Blanton left Hamlet in March of 2020 to become the first town manager of Ranlo in Gaston County. He has been city manager of Mount Holly, also in Gaston, since January of 2024.
Christian came was hired as city manager in May of 2020 and resigned the summer of 2024. Previously town planner for Knightdale and town manager of Mount Gilead, Christian is now city manager of Archdale.
Abernethy and Christian attended college together at Appalachian State University.
The latest city manager was John Terziu, who started in early 2025 and announced his resignation several weeks ago. His last date of employment was scheduled to be June 9.
