Avery County manager announces retirement; interim county manager named

Avery County Manager (name as stated in meeting record: Speaker 3) formally announced his retirement from county employment effective Feb. 1, 2026, and the board has named Cindy Turbifield as interim county manager effective that same date.

In a report to the board, the county manager also updated the public on storm-debris cleanup, saying the county had cleared about 1,055,000 cubic yards of debris. He reported that requests for qualifications had been issued for an architect for the senior center and for ballfield work; the Community Development Block Grant application for the senior center had been submitted. He said the High Country Council of Governments is assisting with grant work for radio tower work and Green Valley Park and that RFQs for Little League fields and Green Valley Park are active.

The manager briefed the board on local food resources available during a federal government shutdown and noted area churches and social services partners would provide meals; he also noted two upcoming veterans events: a veterans breakfast on Nov. 7 at the senior center and a veterans luncheon on Nov. 17 at the public library in Newland.

He said, "I would like to formally submit and announce my retirement as county manager... effective 02/01/2026," and thanked the board. The board indicated support and acknowledged the interim appointment of Cindy Turbifield.

Next steps: the board will implement the interim appointment process and county staff will begin transition activities related to the manager's departure.