Avery County manager to retire Feb. 1; board names Cindy Turbifield interim

The county manager announced his retirement effective Feb. 1, 2026, and the Board of Commissioners at its Nov. meeting in Newland named Cindy Turbifield as interim county manager.

"I would like to formally submit and announce my retirement as county manager and as an employee of Avery County. That will be effective 02/01/2026," the county manager said during the meeting. He also thanked the board for naming Cindy Turbifield as interim county manager effective Feb. 1.

The manager used his update to recap county activity, including storm-debris cleanup and outstanding grant work. He said storm cleanup in Hilleen had reached about 1,055,000 cubic yards of debris collected and listed recent and pending grant applications, including a Community Development Block Grant request and requests for architects for the senior center, Lily Fields and Green Valley Park.

Commissioners responded with appreciation. Chair (speaker 4) and others praised the manager's service: "We love you. Your love for Avery County has shown up... you truly love Avery County and do what's best for Avery County," a board member said. The board's action names Cindy Turbifield as interim; the meeting transcript does not record a separate formal vote on that interim appointment beyond the manager's announcement.

Next steps and transition logistics, including any search or permanent appointment procedure, were not specified in the transcript. The board will continue routine business at its next scheduled meeting on Dec. 1 at 6:00 p.m. in Newland.