SALISBURY — City Council on Tuesday appointed Doug Paris as interim city manager upon the retirement of David Treme.
Paris, one of two assistant city managers, was chosen from three candidates, all members of the city’s management team. He will earn an annual salary of $85,000 plus a $2,500 bonus each month he serves in the position.
Treme, who has served for more than 25 years, will retire Aug. 1.
Council hired Springstead and Associates on Tuesday to recruit and screen candidates for the position. Human Resources Director Zack Kyle will assist the council throughout the hiring process.
All three candidates were well qualified to hold the interim post, Mayor Susan Kluttz said.
“One of Dave Treme’s greatest strengths was to have qualified leaders in place to help lead our organization and to assist in managing the functions of our city,” she said.
“As Doug has worked closely with our City Manager each day, I feel confident that his leadership will help ensure a smooth transition for our City and enable Salisbury to continue as an outstanding example of local government management.”
Paris has worked with Council on goals and outcomes, and the city has relied on his leadership as Salisbury’s state liaison for intergovernmental affairs, Kluttz said.
“He has proven to be an outstanding member of the management team, earning the trust and respect of the council with an extensive knowledge of municipal government,” she said. “I have full confidence in Doug’s ability to lead our City during this interim period.”
Paris is an honors graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and has a bachelor of arts degree in political science. He holds a masters degree in public administration from Chapel Hill’s School of Government.
In addition, he is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s LEAD (Leading, Educating, And Developing) Management Program offered through the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
Paris said, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve Salisbury in this capacity during an important transition in our community’s leadership.”
Paris, a Salisbury native, returned to Salisbury following his educational pursuit and served as the first assistant to the city manager for Salisbury.
He was later promoted to the role of assistant city manager. His civic involvement includes both the Salisbury Rotary Club and the Rowan County United Way. His wife, Melissa, is a physician’s assistant with Salisbury Pediatrics.
Paris enjoys cycling, hiking and outdoor activities.