Rocky Mount Appoints New Town Manager

ROCKY MOUNT – Mayor and Town Council of Rocky Mount are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Robert J. Wood as the new town manager.

Mr. Wood, who is the former city administrator of West Lake Hills, Texas, will replace James Ervin who is retiring after fourteen years of service as town manager.

During its meeting on Monday, April 12th, the Town Council unanimously approved an employment agreement with Mr. Wood.

“We are glad to welcome Mr. Wood to our community and look forward to his leadership of the Town workforce and in the implementation of the Council’s vision for the community,” said Mayor Steve Angle.

“Rocky Mount is gaining a seasoned individual with a track record of achievement as a local government manager. All of us on Council were impressed by his knowledge, experience, and demeanor and we believe that he will be an excellent fit for our town.”

Town Council conducted a national search for the new town manager assisted by the Berkley Group of Bridgewater, Virginia. The Berkley Group received 34 applications and interviewed twelve candidates, recommending four finalists for interviews. In their search, council members were looking for candidates who were experienced, had vision, and brought new ideas.

Mr. Wood received a Bachelor of Arts with honors in economics and a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. He served as the city manager of Flatonia, Texas from 1999 to 2007 and as the city administrator of West Lake Hills in the Austin, Texas metropolitan area from 2007 to 2019.

He also served as the interim city manager of Bastrop, Texas for several months in 2020. Mr. Wood is designated as a credentialed manager by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and is an active volunteer in that organization. He is an Eagle Scout and fluent in Spanish.

Mr. Wood shared these thoughts about his appointment, “I am looking forward to continuing my career as a public servant in the beautiful Town of Rocky Mount, Virginia. I appreciate the confidence that Council has shown in me and I am excited about meeting, getting to know, and serving the residents and employees of the town.”
Mr. Wood will assume his duties as Rocky Mount town manager on May 1st, 2021.